LOWELL, MA - The Binghamton women's lacrosse team clinched a postseason berth for the first time in program history Saturday night with a 12-9 victory over UMass-Lowell. The Bearcats claimed Wicked Blue Stadium as their own, securing their spot in the America East tournament and moving to program-best 4-2 conference record.
"We are so excited for our team and the progress this program made tonight," head coach Stephanie Allen said. "The senior leadership really showed on the field today. The game wasn't always pretty, but we accomplished what we set out to do. Each and every player played a part in getting us this far and will be instrumental in our continued success in regular and postseason play."
The Bearcats played a dominant first half against the River Hawks, fueled by a five goal showing from senior Brianne Arthur. Scoreless through the first 10 minutes of play, Lowell broke the stand still scoring on a free position at 20:57. What ensued next was an 8-0 Binghamton run, sparked by junior Rebecca Golderman dodging five River Hawk defenders to find herself an open net. Arthur proceeded with back to back free positions, pushing Binghamton to a 3-1 lead early in the first.
The hype continued as sophomore Alissa Franze found the back of the net off an assist from senior Skye Schumacher. Binghamton then saw Golderman toss the ball over to senior Tiffany Ryan, who dodged and bounced the ball past the Lowell goalie. Arthur went for back to back goals, again, creating her fourth with a stick check from behind, causing a River Hawk turnover for a Binghamton possession. Freshman Paige Volkmann scooped up the ground ball, assisting Arthur's point-blank uncontested goal. The Schumacher Ryan duo was back in action about 30 seconds after, as Ryan netted her second of the day off of a Schumacher assist.
Lowell combined for three goals the remainder of the first half but couldn't hold a candle to the fired up Binghamton offense. The Bearcats responded, closing out the last three minutes with three goals of their own. Sophomore Amelia Biancardi netted her first of the day off an assist from Golderman before Arthur slapped her fifth of the game on the scoresheet. Golderman ran the clock out, collecting her second of the game with just one second left in the half. The Bearcats gathered for half time holding an 11-4 lead over the River Hawks.
A different Lowell team took the field in the second half, holding the Bearcats 5-1 in goals. Golderman registered herself a hat trick with Binghamton's only second half goal at 27:43. The River Hawks made the effort, but with sophomore Taylor Passuello's heroics in the net, Binghamton held the upper hand. An elated and emotional Bearcat sideline counted down from 15 seconds to go in the game, as senior Jocelyn Penteck scooped up a ground ball to hold possession through the final buzzer. A historic night in the making, the Bearcats walked away from Wicked Blue with a 12-9 win over the River Hawks.
Senior
Jacqueline Kennedy finished the game with five ground balls, four draw controls and three caused turnovers. Her three caused turnovers ties her with
Allie Rodgers for the career record of 74. Golderman finished with three goals and two assists for five points, securing nine draw controls and three caused turnovers of her own.
Binghamton is back in action this Saturday, April 28 against the UNH Wildcats at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The contest is set for a 12 p.m. start time as the Bearcats wrap up the regular season portion of their schedule by honoring their 11 seniors prior to the game.
