Women’s Lacrosse Splits Games Against PSAC Rivals

By Ronald Hanaki

Sports Editor

Earlier this week, ESU’s women’s lacrosse team split its first two conference games against PSAC rivals Millersville and Kutztown.

On Tuesday, March 24, ESU fell to the Millersville Marauders 17-14 at home, despite 5 goals from junior attack and math education major Kaitlynn Wiltraut and 4 goals and 5 assists from junior attack Lauren Nunes. The loss is ESU’s first of the season.

This game was all Millersville early in the first half. The Marauders jumped out to an 8-0 lead until sophomore attack and business management major Lauren Green found the back of the net to make the score 8-1.

Still, the Marauders dominated the first half and held a 14-3 lead over the Warriors at intermission.

After Millersville freshman attack Kristen Butzner scored off of a free position shot to make the score 16-4 with 21:38 left in the game, ESU went on a 10-1 scoring run.

However, it was not enough, as the Marauders staved off the Warriors for a 17-14 win.

In a tale of two halves, Millersville outshot ESU 22-9 in the first half, but ESU outshot Millersville 22-6 in the second half.

Millersville was the feistier team, as they committed 30 fouls to 21 fouls for ESU.

On a sunny but cool Sunday afternoon, March 22, ESU beat the Kutztown Bears 16-9 in its PSAC opener. This was ESU’s fourth straight win.

Sophomore attack Lauren Green carried the day.

Green scored a career-high 5 goals, including the first 4 out of 5 goals for ESU. She also had 2 assists.

Junior attack Kaitlynn Wiltraut had 4 goals, and junior attack Lauren Nunes contributed 2 goals and 2 assists.

This game was notable because sophomore Emily Fitzsimmons made her first start as a goalkeeper. Normally a midfielder, Fitzsimmons made 9 saves for the Warriors.

After the win against Kutztown, Wiltraut said, “I’m excited. The team has gotten a lot better throughout the weeks.”

Next up for ESU (4-1, 1-1) is the mighty Mercyhurst Lakers, led by three-time All-PSAC selection Rebecca Himes.

Email Ronald at:

rhanaki@live.esu.edu