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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Harvard
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Tigers Hammer Harvard
April 19, 2003 | Women's Lacrosse
April 19, 2003
Box Score
Princeton, N.J. - Sophomore Leigh Slonaker led Princeton's offense with three goals and senior Rachael Becker led the defense with five caused turnovers to help the Tigers roll past Harvard 12-2 on Saturday afternoon at Class of 1952 Stadium. Princeton scored the game's first seven goals and never looked back, improving to 8-4 overall and 3-1 in the Ivy League this season.
With its top two scorers ailing from ankle injuries, the Tigers looked elsewhere for offense and found it with seven different goal scorers. Junior Katie Coyne scored her second goal of the season only 48 seconds in to the game to open the scoring. It was all Princeton from that point on. Slonaker made the score 2-0 at 3:03 and junior Theresa Sherry, who leads Princeton in scoring, punched in her 30th goal of the season in limited playing time. After Slonaker's second goal of the day, Princeton was on top 4-0.
"With some key scorers out of the lineup today, we really needed people to step up," says Princeton Head Coach Chris Sailer. "I am very happy with the way we came out and scored in the first half."
The Tigers posted nine goals in the first period and led 9-1 at the break. Sophomore Elizabeth Pillion had two goals to compliment Slonaker's three while junior Liza Hillenbrand and senior Alex Fiore also found the scorer's card in the first half with goals of their own.
Fiore scored her 15th goal of the year, matching her career total entering this season, in the opening minutes of the second period to give the Tigers a 10-1 advantage. Senior Kelly Sosa finished the game in goal after starter Sarah Kolodner registered six saves in 53:46.
"We played a lot of minutes without some of our leaders on the field today," says Pillion. "It forced others into that leadership role and I think that will only help us down the road."
Pillion finished the game with two goals and an assist while picking up a team-high six ground balls and three draw controls. Slonaker (3g 1a) and Coyne (2g 2a) each finished with four points on the day. Fiore had two goals and four ground balls while Hillenbrand, Sherry and senior Sarah Small scored one goal apiece.
"I feel lucky to get playing time," says Coyne, who scored a season-high two goals. "Everyone played so well, I'm just happy to contribute."
The Tigers picked up 33 ground balls and won 11 of 16 draw controls. They also won the caused turnover battle 12-5 with Becker matching Harvard's total. Becker finished the game with three ground balls and had no turnovers.
Princeton will play its next three on the road, beginning with Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 23. The Tigers will face the Quakers at Villanova. Game time is 4:30 p.m.