Defense leads Athenas past Poets in home opener

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The stifling defense of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's lacrosse team came through strong in a low scoring 7-3 victory over the Whittier Poets.

Freshman Corie Hack (CMC) helped CMS get off to a fast start as she found the back of the net twice in the first five minutes.

The Athenas played a very tight defensive game in the first half and didn't allow Whittier to get many scoring chances. The Poets were held without a shot on goal until the 11 minute mark when Jess Hansen hit a post, to which CMS responded immediately with a clear and Ellen Berkley's (CMC) second marker of the year for a 3-0 lead.

Junior Zoe Pinczower added another as the Athenas held a solid 4-0 lead at halftime.

Despite being outshot 15-3 in the first half, the Poets managed to find life early in the second. Whittier scored twice in the first three minutes to quickly make it a two goal game.

After the teams traded goals with 15 minutes remaining, CMS shut the door on any hope the Poets had of mounting a comeback. The Athenas held Whittier to one shot on goal the rest of the way and added a pair of insurance markers, including Hack's fourth with two minutes left to seal the 7-3 win.

The three goals against marks the lowest amount allowed by CMS since March of 2014, a 23-3 win over Southwestern (Tex.).

The Athenas outshot Whittier 26-11 on the night with a turnover margin of +10. Hack led all shooters with four goals on six shots with three caused turnovers, while Pinczower contributed a goal and an assist.

Both Rebekah Delledera and Lauren Tudor had a goal and assist each for the Poets, while goalie Madison Topping made 12 saves in the loss.

CMS (2-1) will play its fourth consecutive SCIAC match March 5 against Redlands, game two of an eight game home stand.

By Tony Steege
Sports Information Assistant

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