The University of Rhode Island lacrosse team fell 14-11 against Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday for the team’s second straight loss.
It was the second-straight week the Rams played at the URI Soccer Complex, the team’s current home field, as Meade Stadium undergoes renovations.
Fifth-year Molly O’Keefe opened the scoring in favor of VCU with a free-position goal just over three minutes into the first quarter, but a minute-and-a-half later, second-year Kate Cumins tied the game up for URI with her own free-position goal.
After Cumins’ goal, Rhody was held scoreless for the rest of the first quarter as VCU scored four straight goals to take a 5-1 lead. O’Keefe started the run, followed by a goal from second-year Kate Unzicker and two free-position goals from third-year Sam Palmer and Unzicker.
The second quarter featured multiple scoring runs. URI ended its almost 13-minute scoreless drought with a goal from first-year Ashlyn Carpenter. Carpenter scored off a rebound from Cumins’ shot that hit the post. Sixth-year Caitlin Dellecave cut VCU’s lead to two off a free-position goal.
VCU then went on its own two-goal run after Palmer and O’Keefe scored back-to-back goals in 30 seconds to hold a 7-3 lead at the midway point in the quarter. URI responded with four unanswered goals to end the first half tied at seven.
Cumins scored three straight goals, with two being free-position and the third while Rhody was a man up after VCU third-year Ally Schromsky was shown a green card following her foul.
30 seconds after Cumins’ third goal of the quarter, third-year Caralie Basuel scored her only goal of the game with less than 90 seconds left.
“It’s just awesome being out here,” Cumins said. “The team’s really gelling well together, so it’s just a reflection of them.”
The third quarter was eerily similar to the first, as both teams traded goals early, keeping the score tied at 8-8. Then, VCU scored three goals in less than 90 seconds for an 11-8 lead.
Second-year MJ Timpanaro broke Rhody’s nine-minute scoring drought with a free-position goal, but Palmer’s fourth goal of the day brought VCU’s lead back up to three heading into the fourth.
Carpenter and second-year Nicolette Licare put two goals in the back of the net in under three minutes to cut URI’s deficit to just one goal.
The comeback attempt fell short as Rhody was held scoreless for the rest of the quarter, and third-year Rachel Koeneke added on two more goals for the 14-11 VCU victory.
“I thought this was the most connected, most energetic and got your back lacrosse that we played all year,” head coach Jenna Slowey said. “So, that same type of energy and that same type of intensity and fight, and then just clean up the turnovers a little bit.”
The Rams head on the road to take on George Mason University, as both sit at 2-5 in conference play and look to make a push for the final spot in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. The game is on Saturday at noon and will be available to stream on ESPN+.
