TicketsApril 15, 2012
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team (3-9, 0-5 BIG EAST) attempted a late first half comeback with four-consecutive goals in the final six minutes, but it wasn't enough as it was defeated by Rutgers (9-5, 4-2 BIG EAST), 13-10, on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field.
Cincinnati's attack was led by Laura Simanski (Riesterstown, Md./Roland Park), while six others netted goals for the Bearcats. Rachel Mercier (Catonsville, Md./Chapelgate Christian Academy) scored a goal in her 12th-consecutive game.
The Scarlet Knights controlled most of the first half, scoring the first two goals of the game before increasing its lead to 6-1 with 7:33 left in the half. Mercier scored a free position goal with five seconds left to head into the break with UC down 6-2.
The Bearcats scored three goals within the first eight minutes of the second half, but Rutgers put in six of its own within a 10-minute span to take its largest lead, 13-6, with 11:48 on the clock. But UC would not go down without a fight, as the Bearcats dominated possession late the second half, scoring four-consecutive goals to come within three. Cincinnati could not muster any more goals in the final minute as the Scarlet Knights held on for the victory.
Cincinnati was outshot, 32-24, and goaltender Jennifer Walsh (East Setauket, N.Y./Ward Melville) finished with seven saves. Lily Kalata and Aimee Chotikul combined for 10 saves for the Scarlet Knights.
UC returns home for a pair of contests next weekend beginning with Connecticut on Friday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. The Bearcats host No. 2 Syracuse on Sunday, April 22 at 12 p.m. for Senior Day.