NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (Apr. 12, 2011) – First year attacker Liz Randolph racked up a career best five goals and an assist to push the Mount Holyoke College women's lacrosse team to a 14-9 triumph over longtime rival Smith College this afternoon. With their third straight win over the Pioneers, the Lyons evened their NEWMAC record at 2-2.
Randolph's six points matched her career high. She has now recorded hat tricks in five of her first 11 collegiate contests. The first year also corralled four draw controls. Sophomore attacker Molly Macdonald finished with two goals an assist, while midfielders Vika Planson and Hilary Bombard chipped in with two tallies apiece.
Mount Holyoke's remaining strikes came from sophomore attacker Christina Horimoto, first year midfielder Brianne Phelan and sophomore midfielder Lindsey Kanno. The Lyons finished with advantages in shots (35-18), draw controls (15-10) and ground balls (10-6).
Smith (3-9, 0-4 NEWMAC) was paced by first year midfielder Becky Bracken, who scored five times. Junior midfielder Meaghan Fileti added a hat trick.
Mount Holyoke broke a 2-2 tie with four straight tallies midway through the first half. Macdonald scored twice during the rally, as the Lyons grabbed a commanding 6-2 lead with 9:03 remaining in the opening frame. Their four goals were separated by just 3:30. Mount Holyoke took a 9-4 edge into the break.
The Lyons then created separation with another 4-0 spurt in the early stages of the second stanza. They enjoyed a 13-5 advantage with 14:32 remaining in regulation after Randolph poured in consecutive goals. Smith finished the game on a 4-1 run, but it was not enough.
First year goalkeeper Melissa Saale turned away five shots en route to her first collegiate victory. At the other end, sophomores Meredith Kallfelz and Alina Pechacek split time between the pipes for the Pioneers. Kallfelz made four saves in the first half, while Pechacek amassed 13 after the intermission.
Mount Holyoke (5-6, 2-2 NEWMAC) will return to action on Saturday, when it visits Babson College for a NEWMAC clash beginning at 1:00 p.m.
