Volume CXXXI, Number 23 April 26, 2002 f

Lax clinches berth
HEATHER MacNEIL
STAFF WRITER

The Bowdoin Women's Lacrosse Team earned a spot in the first round of the NESCAC tournament on Wednesday with a victory over Bates College.

The Polar Bears entered the game knowing that their place in the tourney rested on a victory over either Bates or Trinity. They overcame the pressure of this ultimatum and pulled through with a stellar performance, adding another "W" to the women's record.

Beth Sherman '02. (Henry Coppola, Bowdoin Orient)

Sophomore Elsbeth Pratt kicked off the game with Bowdoin's first goal just 30 seconds into the first half. Catherine Crosby led Bates in immediate retaliation, however, putting Bowdoin behind 1-3.

The Bobcats' lead was short-lived, as Pratt, Kristi Perine '02, and Amanda Burrage '04 each responded with a goal. As the battle continued, both teams scored alternately and the first half closed with a 5-5 tie.

The halftime break served the Bears well; they came out with a vengeance in the second half and scored four unanswered goals. Perine, Lindsay Powers '03, and Libby Bourke '03 contributed to the streak, putting Bowdoin up by a 9-5 margin and sealing the deal for the Polar Bears.

By adding a few more points on the scoreboard and stalling skillfully, Bowdoin was able to close the game with an 11-8 victory over the Bobcats. Senior goalie Julia McCombs made an impressive nine saves. First year Colleen McDonald also scored for Bowdoin, and Whitney Church '02, Beth Sherman '02, and Courtney Welch '05 added assists.

This victory over Bates followed a grueling two weeks for the Polar Bears-they faced six of the most challenging NESCAC opponents in just seven games. Last weekend's game against Amherst was a mental victory for the team. Although the Bears took a 9-8 loss, Perine pointed out that the team "played a solid 60 minutes, never giving up or letting down."

Last Sunday's contest against Plymouth State was also a learning experience. Bowdoin came from behind in the last few minutes and squeezed out a 10-9 win with a goal by Burrage, the "hero of the day."

The Bowdoin women hope to build on their impressive season this weekend at Colby in the first round of the NESCAC tournament, but first look to end their regular season with a victory over Trinity tomorrow. That game will be played at home at 11:00 am.