The Bantams clinched the regular season NESCAC title by downing Bates, 10-5, as Middlebury defeated Tufts, 13-9. The combination of these outcomes put Trinity alone atop the leader board, regardless of the results of the final weekend of regular season play.
The Bantams travelled to Lewiston, Maine to face the Bobcats on Saturday. With beautiful, sunny playing conditions, the Bantams came out strong, winning the first draw control. However, after being unable to capitalize on the first possession, the Bobcats successfully transitioned the ball to Trinity’s defensive end, where they settled into play and focused on maintaining possession. After about ten minutes of play, in which the defense had to be very patient and disciplined, the Bobcats turned the ball over and the Bantams went on attack once again. After the Bantams lost the ball in the 8 meter, Liz Bruno came up with a great interception and streaked in alone on the goalie. With a defender on her right, Bruno made a nice switch to her left hand and put the ball in on the goalie’s nonstick side.
The Bantams followed up with two more goals, an unassisted effort from Caite, before Hadley assisted Kaitlin to make the score 3-0. The Bobcats responded with a goal of their own on a crease roll from the left. Liz answered, with her second tally of the game on a free position. The Bantams and the Bobcats continued to trade goals, with the Bantams leading 5-2 at the half on a Caite Irvine goal assisted by Jenn. The teams continued to trade goals early in the second half, until the Bantams went on a four goal run to take a 9-4 lead. Caite contributed her third goal of the game, as well as her second assist, on a goal from Kristin, to cap the run. The Bobcats managed a 5th tally with just over ten minutes left, but Sarah put the game away on an unassisted drive with 7 minutes left. The Bantam attack was once again a balanced effort, with 7 different players scoring on two free position goals, four assisted goals, and four unassisted drives.
The Bantam defense was strong, especially in transition. Everyone chipped in to come up with a number of turnovers in the midfield, not giving Bates the chance to settle in on attack. The Bantams caused a total of 13 turnovers, with a truly incredible effort from Liz, who contributed 8 of the 13. Liz also picked up 5 ground balls and a draw control to go with her two goals. When the Bobcats did settle into play, the defensive unit did a great job of being disciplined and patient considering the unique style of play the Bobcats employed. Bates spread out in the attacking thirty, focusing on possession. Gina finished the game with 4 saves, coming up with three of those in the second half to keep the Bantams ahead.
The Bantams will face Amherst, at Amherst, in the last regular season game on Friday night, before looking to the NESCAC playoffs on Sunday.
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