Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
William & Mary
Seniors Lead Dragons in Upset of 18th-Ranked William & Mary, 17-6
4/11/2008 6:31:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Senior Jessica Bill (Baldwinsville, N.Y./Baldwinsville) scored five goals while classmates Gwenna Johnson (Lancaster, Pa./Hempfield) and Katie Bradley (Spring City, Pa./Owen J. Roberts) each totaled five points as Drexel stunned 18th-ranked William & Mary, 17-6. The Tribe was one of the hottest teams in the nation as the team was coming off of a pair of wins over nationally ranked conference opponents last week. Behind an unrelenting offense and a smothering defense, the Dragons handed William & Mary its first conference loss of the season. The win pushed Drexel to 9-5 overall and 1-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association while the No. 18 Tribe dropped to 6-7 and 2-1 in the CAA.
William & Mary opened the game strong with two quick goals but Drexel kept its cool and rebounded with two of its own to tie the score. The Drexel response did not stop there as the Dragons continued the run putting the game out of reach with the 10-1 run that had the Dragons ahead 10-3 at halftime. The Drexel attack was running on all cylinders in the opening period as Bill contributed four goals while Keegan notched three assists and Bradley added a goal and two assists. Katie Lawson (Sewell, N.J./Washington Township) notched a pair of unassisted goals using strong moves and nifty footwook in front of the cage as the Dragons went into halftime with the seven-goal edge.
The Tribe snapped the run with the first two goals of the second half and seemed to be threatening to get back in the game. Drexel responded again with a 4-0 run that was kick-started another Bradley goal. The Dragons' dominance continued as Drexel ended the game on a 7-1 run capped with goals by substitutes Allegra Gerhardt and Mariana Uribe.
While the offense was prolific, the Drexel defense was equally impressive allowing just 15 shots on the day while causing 14 of the Tribe's 21 turnovers. Defensive captain Maura Cullen (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) led the way with four caused turnovers and four groundballs while fellow defender Josie Haller (Newtown, Pa./Notre Dame) pitched in with five groundballs and two caused turnovers. Bradley seemed to be everywhere at midfield as she picked up five groundballs, a team-high three draw controls and two caused turnovers to go along with her three goals and two assists. Lauren LaBella (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) made six saves in goal for the Dragons while Emily Geary stopped 18 shots in the loss.
Drexel outshot William & Mary, 46-15, and earned 17 draw controls to the Tribe's seven. The Dragons also held a 17-12 edge in groundballs.
Drexel will face Old Dominion on Sunday, April 13 in its final regular season home game. Prior to the game, Drexel's seniors will be honored as part of senior day festivities. Game time is noon.
