Tickets// THE OPENING DRAW
Following two games in four days last week, the University of Cincinnati lacrosse teams returns to action Friday as the Bearcats will travel to Storrs, Conn., to face UConn in a noon game at the Sherman Family Sports Complex. The Bearcats (6-6, 0-5 BIG EAST) are looking to snap a five-game losing skid after winning six in a row while the host Huskies enter the contest with a 6-7 overall record and 2-3 in the conference.
// FOLLOW US
GoBearcats.com is your one-stop destination for all things UC Athletics. Socially, the team can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with all using the handle GoBearcatsLAX. Head Coach Gina Oliver (@GinaOliverUC) also can be followed on Twitter.
// FOLLOW ALONG
The game will be streamed live on UConnHuskies.com (subscription required) while the web site also will provide live stats throughout the contest.
// QUICK SHOTS
• With three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Bearcats continue to lead both the NCAA and the BIG EAST in ground balls per game average (27.75)
• Alexandra Fess earned a selection to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll this week
• Monica Borzillo has been named the 2018 Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association Sportswoman of the Year for Lacrosse
• Cincinnati is one win away from tying the program record for wins in a season
// FESS HONORED
Last week, the Bearcats played at Vanderbilt and hosted #22 Denver with Fess earning a place in the starting line up in both contests. Fess was tasked with a pair of difficult match ups last week in having to mark the top offensive threats from both teams. Most notably against the Commodores, Fess held Emily Mathewson, who entered the contest with 53 points over 11 games, to just one goal off three shots. Fess also collected a pair of ground balls and caused one turnover against the Pioneers. So far this year, Fess joins Giuliana Durso (March 6) as selections to the Honor Roll. Monica Borzillo (three times) and McKenna Rushford (twice) are the other Bearcats that have been honored in 2018, earning Attacker of the Week and Midfielder of the Week honors, respectively.
// BORZILLO AMONG THE BEST
The Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association announced its annual award winners with Monica Borzillo being named the 2018 College Sportswoman of the Year for Lacrosse, the first time a Bearcats lacrosse player has been selected for the honor. In its 25th year of celebrating high school and collegiate student-athletes and coaches from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, the Association will hold its annual banquet Monday, April 16, with all sports winners being up for selection as the College Sportswoman of the Year, an honor a student-athlete at UC has won four times since 2011.
// AMONG THE BEST - TEAM
Through last weekends games across the nation, the Bearcats remained among the best in the nation in several statistical categories as UC is the NCAA leader in ground balls per game, averaging 27.75 per contest. UC also is ranked 15th in the NCAA in caused turnovers at 10.92 per game, the third-best in the BIG EAST.
// KEY TO SUCCESS
The offense and defense have both improved this season and that has helped the Bearcats to a 6-6 start, meaning UC needs just one more win to tie its season record for wins in a campaign. To get to this point, through 12 games, the Bearcats have scored 151 goals and allowed 151 for a 0 differential in scoring. To put in perspective, here is how 2018 stacks up with the previous 10 seasons of UC lacrosse:
• The 151 goals scored this year are the second-most UC has tallied through 12 games, trailing only the 158 scored last year
• The 151 goals allowed is the fifth-fewest in program history through 12 games
• With a 0 differential, this year's team, through 12 games, currently holds the second-best scoring differential, trailing only the 2017 squad that was at +9 through 12 games. This year also marks just the second time a UC squad been in the plus-side or even in scoring differential through 12 games.
// AMONG THE BEST - INDIVIDUAL
So far this year, four different Bearcats hold Top 50 national rankings in statistical categories, including Monica Borzillo, who is currently ranked 26th nationally with 4.50 points scored per game. Three other players are currently ranked 44th in their respective categories, including Morgan Dukes in ground balls per game (2.75), Giuliana Durso in save percentage (45.4) and McKenna Rushford in free-position goals scored per game (0.92).
// IN THE LEAGUE - INDIVIDUAL
Both Borzillo and Rushford continue to hold Top 10 rankings in the three major offensive statistical categories as the duo is currently ranked tied for third (4.50) and 10th (3.83), respectively, in points per game. Borzillo is currently ranked ninth in goals per game (2.75) and fifth in assists per game (1.75) while Rushford ranks 10th (2.67) and tied for ninth (1.17) in goals and assists, respectively.
// RECAP: UC FALLS AT VANDERBILT
The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team dropped a 15-6 decision to Vanderbilt in BIG EAST Conference play on Wednesday afternoon at the VU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. The Bearcats (6-5, 0-4 BIG EAST) jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Monica Borzillo and Taylor Gysin, but Vanderbilt (8-4, 3-1 BIG EAST) roared back with eight-straight goals over 10 minutes before UC found the back of the net again. Borzillo added her second and Gianna Napoletano scored as well, but UC trailed 10-5 at the break. Amanda Donovan scored her 13th goal of the season three minutes into the second half and Kate Carney added her 10th with just under nine minutes left, but it was not enough for a comeback as the Commodores scored seven second-half goals to earn their second-straight win. GK Giuliana Durso faced 34 VU shots and turned away 12, two off her season-best mark of 14 saves.
// RECAP: UC DROPS 17-11 DECISION TO DENVER
In what became a game of runs, the Bearcats struck first as McKenna Rushford, Monica Borzillo, Bridget Cleary and Amanda Donovan each scored to give the hosts a 4-0 lead with just over five minutes having run off the clock. Following a DU time-out, the visitors responded and scored seven in a row to take a 7-4 lead with 13:02 remaining in the first half. From there, UC scored twice with a DU goal between as Sam Mlkvy and Amanda Fess each tallied goals to make it 8-6 DU with 4:16 remaining. The Pioneers added a goal with 3:28 remaining to bring the score to 9-6 at halftime. The visitors added to their lead as they opened the second half with four goals, jumping out to a 13-6 lead. The Bearcats did not go quietly, however, as the hosts tallied three in a row to cut the lead to 13-9. Following goals by Rushford, Borzillo and Taylor Gysin, the Pioneers responded with a pair of goals to bump their lead back to six (15-9) before UC answered with goals from Gysin and Mlkvy, putting the Bearcats down four once again (15-11) with just over six minutes remaining. Despite closing the gap once again, the Bearcats would get no closer as the Pioneers scored twice more to close the game and take a 17-11 decision.
// CLOSING IN
Through 12 games, UC has already tied for the third-best win total in program history. In the 11 years the program has competed at the varsity level, UC has won six games three times (2014, 2017, 2018) and seven games twice (2009, 2013).
// SCOUTING: UCONN
The Huskies enter the contest with a 6-7 overall record and stand 2-3 in the BIG EAST after snapping a three-game skid last week with a 16-7 victory over Temple. Grace Nolan leads the way for UConn with 70 points on 46 goals and 24 assists while both Kelsey Catalano (30-6-36) and Caitlin Leary (29-3-32) have each tallied 30 points or more as well. Grace Breshlian has seen the most minutes in goal for the Huskies and has allowed 151 goals while saving 88 shots for a 12.79 goals against average.
// SERIES HISTORY
The Bearcats are looking for their first win in the series with UConn as the Huskies hold a 9-0 lead in the all-time series. UConn is 4-0 all-time when the games are played in Storrs, Conn., with the hosts winning the last game, 17-6, during the 2016 season. Last year, Cincinnati fell, 18-11, in a game played at UC.
// GOING TO EUROPE
This summer, the Bearcats will be going international as they will travel to both the Netherlands and Greece where they will play against some top international competition. The team is currently accepting gifts that will go toward the UC Athletics Women's Excellence Fund in support of the lacrosse program and their June trip across the pond. For more information and to give your gift, visit: http://bit.ly/CinLAXGreece.
// NEXT TIME
One game is on the schedule next week as the Bearcats will travel to Storrs, Conn., on Friday, April 13, to take on UConn in a noon game.
Following two games in four days last week, the University of Cincinnati lacrosse teams returns to action Friday as the Bearcats will travel to Storrs, Conn., to face UConn in a noon game at the Sherman Family Sports Complex. The Bearcats (6-6, 0-5 BIG EAST) are looking to snap a five-game losing skid after winning six in a row while the host Huskies enter the contest with a 6-7 overall record and 2-3 in the conference.
// FOLLOW US
GoBearcats.com is your one-stop destination for all things UC Athletics. Socially, the team can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with all using the handle GoBearcatsLAX. Head Coach Gina Oliver (@GinaOliverUC) also can be followed on Twitter.
// FOLLOW ALONG
The game will be streamed live on UConnHuskies.com (subscription required) while the web site also will provide live stats throughout the contest.
// QUICK SHOTS
• With three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Bearcats continue to lead both the NCAA and the BIG EAST in ground balls per game average (27.75)
• Alexandra Fess earned a selection to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll this week
• Monica Borzillo has been named the 2018 Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association Sportswoman of the Year for Lacrosse
• Cincinnati is one win away from tying the program record for wins in a season
// FESS HONORED
Last week, the Bearcats played at Vanderbilt and hosted #22 Denver with Fess earning a place in the starting line up in both contests. Fess was tasked with a pair of difficult match ups last week in having to mark the top offensive threats from both teams. Most notably against the Commodores, Fess held Emily Mathewson, who entered the contest with 53 points over 11 games, to just one goal off three shots. Fess also collected a pair of ground balls and caused one turnover against the Pioneers. So far this year, Fess joins Giuliana Durso (March 6) as selections to the Honor Roll. Monica Borzillo (three times) and McKenna Rushford (twice) are the other Bearcats that have been honored in 2018, earning Attacker of the Week and Midfielder of the Week honors, respectively.
// BORZILLO AMONG THE BEST
The Cincinnati USA Women's Sports Association announced its annual award winners with Monica Borzillo being named the 2018 College Sportswoman of the Year for Lacrosse, the first time a Bearcats lacrosse player has been selected for the honor. In its 25th year of celebrating high school and collegiate student-athletes and coaches from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, the Association will hold its annual banquet Monday, April 16, with all sports winners being up for selection as the College Sportswoman of the Year, an honor a student-athlete at UC has won four times since 2011.
// AMONG THE BEST - TEAM
Through last weekends games across the nation, the Bearcats remained among the best in the nation in several statistical categories as UC is the NCAA leader in ground balls per game, averaging 27.75 per contest. UC also is ranked 15th in the NCAA in caused turnovers at 10.92 per game, the third-best in the BIG EAST.
// KEY TO SUCCESS
The offense and defense have both improved this season and that has helped the Bearcats to a 6-6 start, meaning UC needs just one more win to tie its season record for wins in a campaign. To get to this point, through 12 games, the Bearcats have scored 151 goals and allowed 151 for a 0 differential in scoring. To put in perspective, here is how 2018 stacks up with the previous 10 seasons of UC lacrosse:
• The 151 goals scored this year are the second-most UC has tallied through 12 games, trailing only the 158 scored last year
• The 151 goals allowed is the fifth-fewest in program history through 12 games
• With a 0 differential, this year's team, through 12 games, currently holds the second-best scoring differential, trailing only the 2017 squad that was at +9 through 12 games. This year also marks just the second time a UC squad been in the plus-side or even in scoring differential through 12 games.
// AMONG THE BEST - INDIVIDUAL
So far this year, four different Bearcats hold Top 50 national rankings in statistical categories, including Monica Borzillo, who is currently ranked 26th nationally with 4.50 points scored per game. Three other players are currently ranked 44th in their respective categories, including Morgan Dukes in ground balls per game (2.75), Giuliana Durso in save percentage (45.4) and McKenna Rushford in free-position goals scored per game (0.92).
// IN THE LEAGUE - INDIVIDUAL
Both Borzillo and Rushford continue to hold Top 10 rankings in the three major offensive statistical categories as the duo is currently ranked tied for third (4.50) and 10th (3.83), respectively, in points per game. Borzillo is currently ranked ninth in goals per game (2.75) and fifth in assists per game (1.75) while Rushford ranks 10th (2.67) and tied for ninth (1.17) in goals and assists, respectively.
// RECAP: UC FALLS AT VANDERBILT
The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team dropped a 15-6 decision to Vanderbilt in BIG EAST Conference play on Wednesday afternoon at the VU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. The Bearcats (6-5, 0-4 BIG EAST) jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Monica Borzillo and Taylor Gysin, but Vanderbilt (8-4, 3-1 BIG EAST) roared back with eight-straight goals over 10 minutes before UC found the back of the net again. Borzillo added her second and Gianna Napoletano scored as well, but UC trailed 10-5 at the break. Amanda Donovan scored her 13th goal of the season three minutes into the second half and Kate Carney added her 10th with just under nine minutes left, but it was not enough for a comeback as the Commodores scored seven second-half goals to earn their second-straight win. GK Giuliana Durso faced 34 VU shots and turned away 12, two off her season-best mark of 14 saves.
// RECAP: UC DROPS 17-11 DECISION TO DENVER
In what became a game of runs, the Bearcats struck first as McKenna Rushford, Monica Borzillo, Bridget Cleary and Amanda Donovan each scored to give the hosts a 4-0 lead with just over five minutes having run off the clock. Following a DU time-out, the visitors responded and scored seven in a row to take a 7-4 lead with 13:02 remaining in the first half. From there, UC scored twice with a DU goal between as Sam Mlkvy and Amanda Fess each tallied goals to make it 8-6 DU with 4:16 remaining. The Pioneers added a goal with 3:28 remaining to bring the score to 9-6 at halftime. The visitors added to their lead as they opened the second half with four goals, jumping out to a 13-6 lead. The Bearcats did not go quietly, however, as the hosts tallied three in a row to cut the lead to 13-9. Following goals by Rushford, Borzillo and Taylor Gysin, the Pioneers responded with a pair of goals to bump their lead back to six (15-9) before UC answered with goals from Gysin and Mlkvy, putting the Bearcats down four once again (15-11) with just over six minutes remaining. Despite closing the gap once again, the Bearcats would get no closer as the Pioneers scored twice more to close the game and take a 17-11 decision.
// CLOSING IN
Through 12 games, UC has already tied for the third-best win total in program history. In the 11 years the program has competed at the varsity level, UC has won six games three times (2014, 2017, 2018) and seven games twice (2009, 2013).
// SCOUTING: UCONN
The Huskies enter the contest with a 6-7 overall record and stand 2-3 in the BIG EAST after snapping a three-game skid last week with a 16-7 victory over Temple. Grace Nolan leads the way for UConn with 70 points on 46 goals and 24 assists while both Kelsey Catalano (30-6-36) and Caitlin Leary (29-3-32) have each tallied 30 points or more as well. Grace Breshlian has seen the most minutes in goal for the Huskies and has allowed 151 goals while saving 88 shots for a 12.79 goals against average.
// SERIES HISTORY
The Bearcats are looking for their first win in the series with UConn as the Huskies hold a 9-0 lead in the all-time series. UConn is 4-0 all-time when the games are played in Storrs, Conn., with the hosts winning the last game, 17-6, during the 2016 season. Last year, Cincinnati fell, 18-11, in a game played at UC.
// GOING TO EUROPE
This summer, the Bearcats will be going international as they will travel to both the Netherlands and Greece where they will play against some top international competition. The team is currently accepting gifts that will go toward the UC Athletics Women's Excellence Fund in support of the lacrosse program and their June trip across the pond. For more information and to give your gift, visit: http://bit.ly/CinLAXGreece.
// NEXT TIME
One game is on the schedule next week as the Bearcats will travel to Storrs, Conn., on Friday, April 13, to take on UConn in a noon game.