TicketsMarch 9, 2014
CLINTON, S.C. - Michelle Platz scored four goals and Courtney Curtis had a seven-point game to lead the University of Cincinnati lacrosse team to a 16-6 victory at Presbyterian. The win improved the Bearcats to 3-3 as they prepare for their home opener this Friday.
In addition to the four goals from Platz (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Ursula), Curtis (Mason, Ohio/William Mason) recorded a hat trick while adding four assists for a seven-point game. UC got pair of goals each from Sarah Del Bene (Timonium, Md./Dulaney), Torrie Zarella (Great Falls, Va./Langley) and Elania Enich (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany).
Ashley Helmrath (Ellicott City, Md./Maryvale Prep), Dani Tunnell (Frederick, Md./Oakdale) and Megan Bell (Parkton, Md./Hereford) each found the back of the cage, while Helmrath and Tunnell each also contributed an assist.
Maddie Sieloff and Margaret Richardson each scored two goals to lead the effort for the Blue Hose. Jess Goergen and Jordan Lack each scored, as well.
The Bearcats jumped out to an 8-0 lead over the first 15 minutes and never looked back. Del Bene got the scoring started with a free position goal less than two minutes in, followed by a goal from Helmrath and consecutive scores by Platz.
After Presbyterian scored its first goal with 13:10 left in the first half, the Bearcats added two more goals, the Blue Hose got their second with 3:28 left in the frame with UC scoring twice again to carry a 12-2 lead into the break. In the opening half, Cincinnati out-shot PC 22-12, while converting three free position goals and all eight clear attempts.
The Bearcats and Blue Hose played an even second half, which each team scoring four goals to provide the final 16-6 margin. Bell won seven draw controls in the contest, while Tunnell and Kyara Byner (Franklin, Tenn./Ensworth) each caused two turnovers. Tunnell also led the way with four ground balls.
UC keeper Meg Gulmi (Syosset, N.Y./Syosset) earned her third victory of the season, making seven saves in the first half. Jennifer Walsh (East Setauket, N.Y./Ward Melville) spelled Gulmi at the half and made three saves.
After playing their first six contests on the road, Gina Oliver's Bearcats play their first home game of the season on Friday, March 14, when Coastal Carolina visits Cincinnati. That's followed by a visit from Iona on Sunday, March 16.