WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A new era opened for the Wittenberg women's lacrosse program with a narrow 18-13 loss to Vassar in a game played in West Palm Beach, Fla.
The Tigers were playing their first game under the direction of Head Coach Beth Hemminger, who was hired to lead the program after the 2011 season.
The game started well for Wittenberg as the Tigers jumped out to an 8-5 lead with five minutes left in the first half. The momentum swung suddenly, however, as Vassar rallied to score six straight goals to close the half and take a 11-8 lead into the intermission.
Over the final 30 minutes, the Tigers could get no closer than two goals. Junior goalkeeper Katie Bondy (Westerville, Ohio/South) played well in the second half, making nine saves while allowing seven goals.
Offensively, Wittenberg picked up a tremendous debut from freshman Logan Warye (Maineville, Ohio/Kings), who poured in six goals on just seven shots in the game. No other Tiger finished with more than one score.
Also of note was the play of junior Kellen Morrissey (Aurora, Colo./Smoky Hill), who contributed one goal, two draw controls and a game-high four caused turnovers. Junior Erin Guiliano (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland) also was solid, finishing with one goal, one assist, one caused turnover and a game-best five draw controls.
Wittenberg has a day to practice before taking on St. John Fisher in their second and final Spring Break game of 2012 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7.