Tickets// THE OPENING DRAW
The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team, coming of a split of two games last week, will hit the road this week for a pair of away games in the Great Lakes State as the Bearcats will travel to play at Central Michigan and Michigan to open a stretch of three road games in a row. The Bearcats (3-2) will open play Friday in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., with a 3 p.m. contest with the Chippewas (1-1) before closing the trip Monday at 11 a.m. when the Bearcats take on the #20 Wolverines (6-0) inside the Legacy Center in Brighton.
// CHANGE OF PLANS
With bitter cold temperatures set to hit Ann Arbor Sunday, the Bearcats and Wolverines have decided to move their game back one day to Monday, March 4. The game, originally scheduled for Sunday, March 3 at 1 p.m., will now start at 11 a.m. Monday and played inside the Legacy Center in Brighton, Mich.
// 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 Thomas (@GinaOliverUC) also can be followed on Twitter.
// GOING LIVE
Both games this week will be streamed live on each host's website and live stats will also be provided. Links to be can be found on the schedule pages on the CMUChippewas.com and MGoBlue.com websites.
// EXPERIENCE UC
Once again in 2019, all home games will be part of the Experience UC initiative, which is geared toward inviting the community to campus to see firsthand the great things about and surrounding the university. Experience UC includes complimentary admission for patrons attending women's basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, women's tennis, men's and women's soccer, swimming and diving and track and field home events.
// QUICK SHOTS
• Cincinnati holds a 3-2 overall record this year after going 1-1 last weekend with a 19-8 loss at #23 Virginia Tech and an 18-8 home win over Detroit Mercy
• The Bearcats have scored 18+ goals in a game three times this season after only doing so 7 times in the previous 11 years as a program
• Monica Borzillo averaged seven points, five goals and two assists in the two games last week and was named the AAC Attacker for the Week for the second time this year
• Borzillo is currently the national leader in both goals scored (22) and points (34)
• To get to that level, Borzillo has scored hat tricks (or better) in her last four games, including four or more in three of those contests
• Speaking of hat tricks, through five games this year, Bearcats players have recorded 13 so far this year, ranking as the eighth-highest total in a single season in program history
• Around the AAC this week across all sports being played, the student-athletes and coaches will recognize the conference's #Pow6rfulMinds campaign in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week by wearing green lapel pins or other green items, such as hair ribbons and shoe laces.
// SCOUTING: CENTRAL MICHIGAN
The Chippewas enter the weekend with 1-1 record on the year with both games being played on the road as they dropped a 20-4 decision at Michigan before bouncing back with a 16-6 defeat of Butler. Jessica Schuchardt leads CMU offensively with seven points on four goals and a team-high three assists while Natalie Karlen has scored a team-best five goals. Defensively, a trio of goalies have seen minutes already this season with Dominique Hamman starting both games and saving 16 shots while allowing 18 goals.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. CHIPPEWAS
Cincinnati leads the all-time series with Central Michigan, 3-0, including a 14-6 victory in Cincinnati the last time the two teams met (March 2, 2018). The Bearcats, who are 2-0 in the Queen City against the Chippewas, are 1-0 when playing the series in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., after taking the only meeting, 15-4, in 2017 (March 12).
// SCOUTING: #20 MICHIGAN
The Wolverines enter Monday with a 6-0 record and a #20 national ranking after winning at #14 Colorado (8-6) and at #9 Denver (12-10) Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. Offensively, Adriana Pendino (17) and Lilly Grass (13) lead the way in goals scored while Caitlin Muir leads in assists with 12 to give the trio 16 or more points each on the year. Defensively, Mira Shane has started all six games in goal for the Wolverines and has saved 52 shots and allowed 40 goals to record a 56.5 save percentage and an 8.15 goals against average.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. WOLVERINES
Monday's game will be the first in the series.
// THE GREAT LAKES STATE
This week's games will close out three in a row against teams from the Great Lakes State after the Bearcats defeated Detroit Mercy, 18-8, Sunday. Overall, Cincinnati is 11-3 all-time against teams from Michigan, including 3-0 against CMU and 8-3 against UDM while sitting at 2-3 when games are played at the opponents' home fields, including 1-0 at CMU and 1-3 at UDM.
// QUICK RECAP: 1-1 LAST WEEK
• Cincinnati posted a 1-1 record last week as they fell at #23 Virginia Tech, 19-8, in its first road game of the year before bouncing back to defeat visiting Detroit Mercy, 18-8, at Gettler Stadium
• Against the Hokies, UC jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but the hosts stormed back and took a 9-7 lead at halftime before claiming the win
• Monica Borzillo scored four goals in the loss with four other players each chipping in one apiece
• UC bounced back against the Titans as they built a 12-goal lead before settling for a 10-goal victory
• Borzillo led the scoring once again as she netted six goals while both Sam Mlkvy and Alyssa Adams each scored three in the win
• Giuliana Durso made a season-high 13 saves in the game, leaving her one shy of tying her career-best
// BORZILLO HONORED
Borzillo, who averaged five goals and two assists last week, was selected as this week's AAC Attacker of the Week, earning the honor for the second time in three weeks. Based upon averages, Borzillo is one of the top scorers in the league as her 4.40 goals and 2.40 assists, both of which are second in the AAC, bring her total to 6.80 points per contest, the best in the AAC. She also ranks second in shots (6.8), fourth in ground balls (3.2) and leads the conference in caused turnovers (2.4).
// FEELING HONORED
The Bearcats are no strangers to weekly accolades from the American as Borzillo's award this week marks the third in a row at least one member of the team earned an honor. Borzillo (attacker) and Sam Mlkvy (Honor Roll) received recognition in Week 1 before Alyssa Adams (midfielder) and Taylor Gysin (HR) were honored last week.
// FEEL FREE TO FIRE
Entering Sunday's game with the Titans, the Bearcats were 6-of-24 in free-position shots in their first four games of the season. That changed in a big way against Detroit Mercy as the Bearcats were nearly perfect, going 7-of-8 on the day and tie the school record for most free-po goals in a single contest.
// TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!
Following last weekend's action, the NCAA updated their national statistics and Borzillo's name appeared in several individual categories, including the #1 position in both goals scored (22) and total points (34). Along with her individual rankings, the team currently leads the nation in ground balls per game (32.4), the same category the led all of last year.
// GETTING GOALS
Last year, the Bearcats scored 201 goals to break a single-season record and become the first UC team to score 200 or more in a single campaign. This year, it doesn't appear the offense is letting off the gas as the team is averaging 14.6 goals per game in 2019 and have scored 18 or more goals in a game three times. To put that in context, the team entered the season having scored 18 or more goals in a game just seven times in the previous 11 seasons.
// BUILDING ON HISTORY
With 73 goals scored this year, the Bearcats broke the scoring record for the first five games in a season, surpassing the 72 scored by the 2018 squad. The 2018 team holds the record for goals scored through Game #6 and #7 at 84 and 101, respectively.
// TRY THIS HAT ON FOR SIZE
Through five games this season, Bearcats players have recorded a hat trick (three goals) or better in a game 13 times. That total already ranks highly in program history as it is the eighth-best total in a season with the team averaging 2.6 players per game recording a hat trick in 2019. If that average holds true over the next two games (5 more added), the Bearcats would have 18 total and rank fifth all-time, just six off the single-season record of 24 recorded in 2017.
// HAPPY HATTERS
On an individual basis, Borzillo has recorded a hat trick or better in each of the last four games (two goals in the opener) while Mlkvy is just behind her with three on the year. That duo is among the best in program history as Borzillo's 17 career hat tricks stand as the second-highest total at UC (Laura Simanski leads with 30) while Mlkvy has tallied 13 to rank fourth overall.
PREVIOUSLY NOTED
// HISTORIC GAME
Previously, the Bearcats scored a 22-18 victory over visiting Marquette, leading to several historical statistics in the process including the most points recorded in a single game with 34 (was 32), tying for the most goals scored in a game with 22 and seeing the most combined goals scored in a game with 40 (was 36). On top of that, the team recorded 12 assists to posted the third-highest single game total (record is 13) as well. Individually, several players recorded career highs in various categories with a trio of sophomores (Adams, Carney and Gysin) collecting several all-time Top 10 marks as well.
// ADAMS ADDS UP
Against the Golden Eagles, Adams scored five goals on seven shots while also collecting seven ground balls to set a trio of career-bests. Her five goals and five points surpass her previous bests of three goals and three points which she tallied twice in her career, most recently last year (April 23) against ECU. One of her goals was a free-position goal, which tied her career-best for the sixth time. In the game, Adams opened the scoring for the Bearcats as she found the back of the cage at 27:38 to stake UC to a 1-0 lead. She scored three times in the second half, including her fifth of the day with 3:51 remaining in the game to push the Bearcats to a five-goal advantage.
// GYSIN GOT GOALS
Similar to Adams, Gysin's day rewrote many of her single-game bests, including points (eight), goals (six), assists (two), shots (six) and caused turnovers (two). Her eight points rank tied for sixth in the program's single-game Top 10 while her six goals tied for the fifth-most in a contest. Gysin's first goal pushed UC to a 2-0 lead with her second snapping a 3-3 tie early on and started a run of seven in a row for the Bearcats with Gysin collecting the seventh in that streak to bring UC to a 10-3 lead. In the second half, she added her fifth at the 22:37 mark to put the Bearcats ahead by eight one again before saving her final goal for the 1:28 mark to push the Bearcats ahead by four late in the game.
// CLASSY
Adams and Gysin combined with fellow sophomore Kate Carney to have a huge day for the Bearcats against Marquette. The three scored 13 of the team's record 22 goals, recorded have of the assists (6-of-12) and tallied 19 of the team's record 34 points. Additionally, they added four ground balls, seven draw controls and two caused turnovers. Along with Gysin's all-time Top 10 single game marks in goals and points, Carney added her name to the assist ledger once again as she helped on four goals, tying for the eighth-most in a game in UC history.
// GAME RECORDS
On a single game level, Borzillo posted four and Sam Mlkvy two marks that landed on the all-time Top 10 as well in the opening weekend. Borzillo's 11 points are the most in a single game, surpassing the 10 she recorded twice previously. Her seven goals tied for second and is one off her own record while her four assists tied her for eighth with all of those coming in the game against KSU. She also added five caused turnovers against the Golden Flashes, tying for the fifth spot all time. Mlkvy's 11 draw controls against Ohio State ranks second all-time in a single game while her 10 shots against KSU tied for the 10th.
// DEBUTANTES
Four players made their Bearcats debuts over opening weekend including a trio of freshmen and one sophomore transfer. Kylie Nause tallied her first collegiate goal in the opener with Ohio State while fellow rookies Zoe Antona and Kate Brocato also saw action, including Brocato halting three shots and allowing two goals in the second half of play against Kent State. Lauren Harrison, who played last year at Mount St. Mary's, also saw her first action with Cincinnati.
// NEW LEAGUE
This year, the Bearcats will play as members of the American Athletic Conference after playing in the BIG EAST the past 10 seasons (UC was an independent in 2008). UC will be joined by fellow full members ECU, Temple and UConn with Florida and Vanderbilt also joining to give the AAC six teams. With lacrosse moving to the AAC, every sport at UC is now a member of the same conference.
// PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS
Ahead of the inaugural season, the AAC announced the results of the coaches' poll with the Bearcats selected to finish fifth. According to the coaches, the predicted finish is Florida (25 points), Vanderbilt (18), UConn (17), Temple (16), UC (9) and ECU (5). In the IWLCA Division I Preseason Poll (January 28), Florida enters the season ranked #6 nationally, the only member of the AAC in the Top 25.
// FEELING HONORED
Ahead of the season, the league coaches also voted for individual honors with three Bearcats being selected to the 2019 Preseason AAC All-Conference Team. That trio includes Monica Borzillo, who was unanimously selected to the list, Amanda Donovan and Sam Mlkvy. The honors are the first preseason awards in each players career with Borzillo (twice) and Donovan (once) previously being selected as BIG EAST All-Conference Second Team with Borzillo's honors coming in 2017 and 2018 and Donovan being selected in 2017.
// FIRST TIME AWARDS
Not only were the selections for those three players the first preseason awards of their careers, they also marked the first preseason awards earned by any Bearcats player in program history. Previously, no UC player had been named to a preseason list in the BIG EAST with Borzillo and Donovan standing as two of just five players to earn postseason accolades.
// CROWNING A CHAMP IN THE QUEEN CITY
The 2019 American Athletic Conference Lacrosse Tournament will be coming to Cincinnati in May with three games being played at the Sheakley Athletics Center on the UC campus. The Top 4 teams in the final regular season standings will play for the postseason crown and a spot in the NCAA Tournament with the AAC semifinals taking place Thursday, May 2, and the final Saturday, May 4. Game times and ticket pricing will be made available closer to the start of the tournament.
// PLAYING HOST
While the Bearcats will playing host to their first lacrosse conference tournament in 2019, the University of Cincinnati is no stranger to welcoming the American to town for a conference event as this year's event will mark the third-consecutive academic year UC has held an AAC championship event. It began in the 2016-17 academic year with the 2016 AAC Cross Country Championships being contested at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester. One academic year later, Gettler Stadium served as the site of the 2018 AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
// THE AD STAT SPREE
In her first three seasons with the Bearcats, Amanda Donovan has certainly made her mark on the program. Not only is she one of only six players to rank in the program's all-time Top 10 in the three scoring categories (goals, assists & points) and one of four in the Top 10 of the three defensive categories (ground balls, draw controls & caused turnovers), but she is the only player in UC history to be ranked in the Top 10 of all six categories. Heading into her senior campaign, Donovan currently ranks ninth in goals (55), tied for ninth in assists (21), seventh in points (76), ninth in ground balls (84), ninth in draw controls (71) and fourth in caused turnovers (59).
// GETTING DEFENSIVE
Another reason the Bearcats fared well in 2018 was the play of Giuliana Durso in goal. The then junior posted 161 saves, averaging 9.47 per contest to not only lead the BIG EAST, but also rank first in UC's single season history, tying her with Katherine Russo (2009 and 2010 seasons). Durso, who took the season victories record from Russo (7) with eight in 2018, finished the year with 12.95 goals against average and a 44.7 save percentage, the #5 and #4 marks, respectively, in single season history at UC.
// RECORD SEASON
Offensively in 2018, the team snapped eight program records and added two more on defense as well. Here is how the Bearcats fared:
• 201 Goals: The team bettered the previous record by 13 goals (188) they set one year prior and scored 200+ goals in a season for the first time in program history
• 86 Assists: UC recorded 80+ helpers for the first time ever and surpassed the previous record of 78 that was set in 2010 (the 2017 team had 70, good enough for third)
• 287 Points: The 287 points broke the previous record of 258 points (2017) by 29
• 504 Shots: Like its goal total, UC recorded 500+ shots for the first time in program history and beat out the previous mark by 37 attempts (467 in 2017)
• 371 Shots on Goal: Of those record shots, a record 371 were on frame, an improvement of 26 from last year's record total of 345
• 12 Man-Up Goals: Not only did UC reach double-digits for the first time in this category, it also doubled the previous record of 6 that was shared by the 2017, 2013 and 2012 teams
• 43 Free-Position Goals: The 43 FPG edged the 2009 team's record of 42, marking just the second time UC has converted 40+ free-position shots in a season
• 8 Game-winning Goals: The 2009 and 2013 teams held the record with seven before the 2018 team won a record eight games on the season
• 501 Ground Balls: The total also led the NCAA last year
• 187 Caused Turnovers: Not only did the 187 surpass 2017's 169 turnovers by 18, it also marked the fourth year in a row the Bearcats have bettered the previous single season record
// HELLO! MY NAME IS...
The team added nine newcomers to the roster prior to this season with eight freshmen and one sophomore transfer. The rookies include Zoe Antona (Roswell, Ga.), Kate Brocato (Baltimore, Md.), Brooke Holmstrom (Canton, Ga.), Camille Johnston (West Chester, Ohio), Isabelle LeJeune (Williamsburg, Va.), Kylie Nause (Phoenix, Md.) and Anna Platou (Naperville, Ill.). The final newcomer to the group is Lauren Harrison, who will be a sophomore this season after playing her freshman season with Mount St. Mary's before transferring to UC this fall.
// NEW TO THE CREW
The players are not the only newcomers to the program this year as Caitlin Prince has joined the Bearcats as an assistant coach. Prince, who played collegiately at Duquesne, including her first two years under then assistant coach Gina Thomas, comes to Cincinnati after serving as an assistant at her Alma Mater from 2017 to 2018. Prior to that, she served as an assistant at Robert Morris (2015-16).
// LAST GO AROUND
As with every season, several Bearcats will be suiting up for the final time in 2019 as four players are entering their senior seasons. The Class of 2019 includes Maria Collacchi (Parkton, Md.), Amanda Donovan (Ellicott City, Md.), Giuliana Durso (Mendham, N.J.) and Jayde Sains (East Islip, N.Y.). The group will be honored at Senior Day April 20 when the Bearcats play host to Vanderbilt.
// MAKING THE GRADE
Following the fall semester, the grades were tabulated and the Bearcats recorded a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.466 as 23 of the players posted at least a 3.0 GPA. To top that off, 15 players held GPAs of 3.4 or better in the semester to be named to the Dean's List while five of those players - Alyssa Adams, Monica Borzillo, Kate Brocato, Maria Collacchi and Alexandra Fess - each were named TopCats as they all posted perfect 4.0 GPAs.
// NEXT TIME
Cincinnati will have a little time off from competition as their next game will come days after the Michigan tilt as the Bearcats will travel to face Louisville in a 3 p.m. contest on Wednesday, March 13. That will be the only game for UC that week as they will not play again until hosting back-to-back home games on March 22 and 24 when both San Diego State (5 p.m.) and Garner-Webb (Noon) come to town.
The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team, coming of a split of two games last week, will hit the road this week for a pair of away games in the Great Lakes State as the Bearcats will travel to play at Central Michigan and Michigan to open a stretch of three road games in a row. The Bearcats (3-2) will open play Friday in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., with a 3 p.m. contest with the Chippewas (1-1) before closing the trip Monday at 11 a.m. when the Bearcats take on the #20 Wolverines (6-0) inside the Legacy Center in Brighton.
// CHANGE OF PLANS
With bitter cold temperatures set to hit Ann Arbor Sunday, the Bearcats and Wolverines have decided to move their game back one day to Monday, March 4. The game, originally scheduled for Sunday, March 3 at 1 p.m., will now start at 11 a.m. Monday and played inside the Legacy Center in Brighton, Mich.
// 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 Thomas (@GinaOliverUC) also can be followed on Twitter.
// GOING LIVE
Both games this week will be streamed live on each host's website and live stats will also be provided. Links to be can be found on the schedule pages on the CMUChippewas.com and MGoBlue.com websites.
// EXPERIENCE UC
Once again in 2019, all home games will be part of the Experience UC initiative, which is geared toward inviting the community to campus to see firsthand the great things about and surrounding the university. Experience UC includes complimentary admission for patrons attending women's basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, women's tennis, men's and women's soccer, swimming and diving and track and field home events.
// QUICK SHOTS
• Cincinnati holds a 3-2 overall record this year after going 1-1 last weekend with a 19-8 loss at #23 Virginia Tech and an 18-8 home win over Detroit Mercy
• The Bearcats have scored 18+ goals in a game three times this season after only doing so 7 times in the previous 11 years as a program
• Monica Borzillo averaged seven points, five goals and two assists in the two games last week and was named the AAC Attacker for the Week for the second time this year
• Borzillo is currently the national leader in both goals scored (22) and points (34)
• To get to that level, Borzillo has scored hat tricks (or better) in her last four games, including four or more in three of those contests
• Speaking of hat tricks, through five games this year, Bearcats players have recorded 13 so far this year, ranking as the eighth-highest total in a single season in program history
• Around the AAC this week across all sports being played, the student-athletes and coaches will recognize the conference's #Pow6rfulMinds campaign in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week by wearing green lapel pins or other green items, such as hair ribbons and shoe laces.
// SCOUTING: CENTRAL MICHIGAN
The Chippewas enter the weekend with 1-1 record on the year with both games being played on the road as they dropped a 20-4 decision at Michigan before bouncing back with a 16-6 defeat of Butler. Jessica Schuchardt leads CMU offensively with seven points on four goals and a team-high three assists while Natalie Karlen has scored a team-best five goals. Defensively, a trio of goalies have seen minutes already this season with Dominique Hamman starting both games and saving 16 shots while allowing 18 goals.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. CHIPPEWAS
Cincinnati leads the all-time series with Central Michigan, 3-0, including a 14-6 victory in Cincinnati the last time the two teams met (March 2, 2018). The Bearcats, who are 2-0 in the Queen City against the Chippewas, are 1-0 when playing the series in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., after taking the only meeting, 15-4, in 2017 (March 12).
// SCOUTING: #20 MICHIGAN
The Wolverines enter Monday with a 6-0 record and a #20 national ranking after winning at #14 Colorado (8-6) and at #9 Denver (12-10) Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. Offensively, Adriana Pendino (17) and Lilly Grass (13) lead the way in goals scored while Caitlin Muir leads in assists with 12 to give the trio 16 or more points each on the year. Defensively, Mira Shane has started all six games in goal for the Wolverines and has saved 52 shots and allowed 40 goals to record a 56.5 save percentage and an 8.15 goals against average.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. WOLVERINES
Monday's game will be the first in the series.
// THE GREAT LAKES STATE
This week's games will close out three in a row against teams from the Great Lakes State after the Bearcats defeated Detroit Mercy, 18-8, Sunday. Overall, Cincinnati is 11-3 all-time against teams from Michigan, including 3-0 against CMU and 8-3 against UDM while sitting at 2-3 when games are played at the opponents' home fields, including 1-0 at CMU and 1-3 at UDM.
// QUICK RECAP: 1-1 LAST WEEK
• Cincinnati posted a 1-1 record last week as they fell at #23 Virginia Tech, 19-8, in its first road game of the year before bouncing back to defeat visiting Detroit Mercy, 18-8, at Gettler Stadium
• Against the Hokies, UC jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but the hosts stormed back and took a 9-7 lead at halftime before claiming the win
• Monica Borzillo scored four goals in the loss with four other players each chipping in one apiece
• UC bounced back against the Titans as they built a 12-goal lead before settling for a 10-goal victory
• Borzillo led the scoring once again as she netted six goals while both Sam Mlkvy and Alyssa Adams each scored three in the win
• Giuliana Durso made a season-high 13 saves in the game, leaving her one shy of tying her career-best
// BORZILLO HONORED
Borzillo, who averaged five goals and two assists last week, was selected as this week's AAC Attacker of the Week, earning the honor for the second time in three weeks. Based upon averages, Borzillo is one of the top scorers in the league as her 4.40 goals and 2.40 assists, both of which are second in the AAC, bring her total to 6.80 points per contest, the best in the AAC. She also ranks second in shots (6.8), fourth in ground balls (3.2) and leads the conference in caused turnovers (2.4).
// FEELING HONORED
The Bearcats are no strangers to weekly accolades from the American as Borzillo's award this week marks the third in a row at least one member of the team earned an honor. Borzillo (attacker) and Sam Mlkvy (Honor Roll) received recognition in Week 1 before Alyssa Adams (midfielder) and Taylor Gysin (HR) were honored last week.
// FEEL FREE TO FIRE
Entering Sunday's game with the Titans, the Bearcats were 6-of-24 in free-position shots in their first four games of the season. That changed in a big way against Detroit Mercy as the Bearcats were nearly perfect, going 7-of-8 on the day and tie the school record for most free-po goals in a single contest.
// TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!
Following last weekend's action, the NCAA updated their national statistics and Borzillo's name appeared in several individual categories, including the #1 position in both goals scored (22) and total points (34). Along with her individual rankings, the team currently leads the nation in ground balls per game (32.4), the same category the led all of last year.
// GETTING GOALS
Last year, the Bearcats scored 201 goals to break a single-season record and become the first UC team to score 200 or more in a single campaign. This year, it doesn't appear the offense is letting off the gas as the team is averaging 14.6 goals per game in 2019 and have scored 18 or more goals in a game three times. To put that in context, the team entered the season having scored 18 or more goals in a game just seven times in the previous 11 seasons.
// BUILDING ON HISTORY
With 73 goals scored this year, the Bearcats broke the scoring record for the first five games in a season, surpassing the 72 scored by the 2018 squad. The 2018 team holds the record for goals scored through Game #6 and #7 at 84 and 101, respectively.
// TRY THIS HAT ON FOR SIZE
Through five games this season, Bearcats players have recorded a hat trick (three goals) or better in a game 13 times. That total already ranks highly in program history as it is the eighth-best total in a season with the team averaging 2.6 players per game recording a hat trick in 2019. If that average holds true over the next two games (5 more added), the Bearcats would have 18 total and rank fifth all-time, just six off the single-season record of 24 recorded in 2017.
// HAPPY HATTERS
On an individual basis, Borzillo has recorded a hat trick or better in each of the last four games (two goals in the opener) while Mlkvy is just behind her with three on the year. That duo is among the best in program history as Borzillo's 17 career hat tricks stand as the second-highest total at UC (Laura Simanski leads with 30) while Mlkvy has tallied 13 to rank fourth overall.
PREVIOUSLY NOTED
// HISTORIC GAME
Previously, the Bearcats scored a 22-18 victory over visiting Marquette, leading to several historical statistics in the process including the most points recorded in a single game with 34 (was 32), tying for the most goals scored in a game with 22 and seeing the most combined goals scored in a game with 40 (was 36). On top of that, the team recorded 12 assists to posted the third-highest single game total (record is 13) as well. Individually, several players recorded career highs in various categories with a trio of sophomores (Adams, Carney and Gysin) collecting several all-time Top 10 marks as well.
// ADAMS ADDS UP
Against the Golden Eagles, Adams scored five goals on seven shots while also collecting seven ground balls to set a trio of career-bests. Her five goals and five points surpass her previous bests of three goals and three points which she tallied twice in her career, most recently last year (April 23) against ECU. One of her goals was a free-position goal, which tied her career-best for the sixth time. In the game, Adams opened the scoring for the Bearcats as she found the back of the cage at 27:38 to stake UC to a 1-0 lead. She scored three times in the second half, including her fifth of the day with 3:51 remaining in the game to push the Bearcats to a five-goal advantage.
// GYSIN GOT GOALS
Similar to Adams, Gysin's day rewrote many of her single-game bests, including points (eight), goals (six), assists (two), shots (six) and caused turnovers (two). Her eight points rank tied for sixth in the program's single-game Top 10 while her six goals tied for the fifth-most in a contest. Gysin's first goal pushed UC to a 2-0 lead with her second snapping a 3-3 tie early on and started a run of seven in a row for the Bearcats with Gysin collecting the seventh in that streak to bring UC to a 10-3 lead. In the second half, she added her fifth at the 22:37 mark to put the Bearcats ahead by eight one again before saving her final goal for the 1:28 mark to push the Bearcats ahead by four late in the game.
// CLASSY
Adams and Gysin combined with fellow sophomore Kate Carney to have a huge day for the Bearcats against Marquette. The three scored 13 of the team's record 22 goals, recorded have of the assists (6-of-12) and tallied 19 of the team's record 34 points. Additionally, they added four ground balls, seven draw controls and two caused turnovers. Along with Gysin's all-time Top 10 single game marks in goals and points, Carney added her name to the assist ledger once again as she helped on four goals, tying for the eighth-most in a game in UC history.
// GAME RECORDS
On a single game level, Borzillo posted four and Sam Mlkvy two marks that landed on the all-time Top 10 as well in the opening weekend. Borzillo's 11 points are the most in a single game, surpassing the 10 she recorded twice previously. Her seven goals tied for second and is one off her own record while her four assists tied her for eighth with all of those coming in the game against KSU. She also added five caused turnovers against the Golden Flashes, tying for the fifth spot all time. Mlkvy's 11 draw controls against Ohio State ranks second all-time in a single game while her 10 shots against KSU tied for the 10th.
// DEBUTANTES
Four players made their Bearcats debuts over opening weekend including a trio of freshmen and one sophomore transfer. Kylie Nause tallied her first collegiate goal in the opener with Ohio State while fellow rookies Zoe Antona and Kate Brocato also saw action, including Brocato halting three shots and allowing two goals in the second half of play against Kent State. Lauren Harrison, who played last year at Mount St. Mary's, also saw her first action with Cincinnati.
// NEW LEAGUE
This year, the Bearcats will play as members of the American Athletic Conference after playing in the BIG EAST the past 10 seasons (UC was an independent in 2008). UC will be joined by fellow full members ECU, Temple and UConn with Florida and Vanderbilt also joining to give the AAC six teams. With lacrosse moving to the AAC, every sport at UC is now a member of the same conference.
// PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS
Ahead of the inaugural season, the AAC announced the results of the coaches' poll with the Bearcats selected to finish fifth. According to the coaches, the predicted finish is Florida (25 points), Vanderbilt (18), UConn (17), Temple (16), UC (9) and ECU (5). In the IWLCA Division I Preseason Poll (January 28), Florida enters the season ranked #6 nationally, the only member of the AAC in the Top 25.
// FEELING HONORED
Ahead of the season, the league coaches also voted for individual honors with three Bearcats being selected to the 2019 Preseason AAC All-Conference Team. That trio includes Monica Borzillo, who was unanimously selected to the list, Amanda Donovan and Sam Mlkvy. The honors are the first preseason awards in each players career with Borzillo (twice) and Donovan (once) previously being selected as BIG EAST All-Conference Second Team with Borzillo's honors coming in 2017 and 2018 and Donovan being selected in 2017.
// FIRST TIME AWARDS
Not only were the selections for those three players the first preseason awards of their careers, they also marked the first preseason awards earned by any Bearcats player in program history. Previously, no UC player had been named to a preseason list in the BIG EAST with Borzillo and Donovan standing as two of just five players to earn postseason accolades.
// CROWNING A CHAMP IN THE QUEEN CITY
The 2019 American Athletic Conference Lacrosse Tournament will be coming to Cincinnati in May with three games being played at the Sheakley Athletics Center on the UC campus. The Top 4 teams in the final regular season standings will play for the postseason crown and a spot in the NCAA Tournament with the AAC semifinals taking place Thursday, May 2, and the final Saturday, May 4. Game times and ticket pricing will be made available closer to the start of the tournament.
// PLAYING HOST
While the Bearcats will playing host to their first lacrosse conference tournament in 2019, the University of Cincinnati is no stranger to welcoming the American to town for a conference event as this year's event will mark the third-consecutive academic year UC has held an AAC championship event. It began in the 2016-17 academic year with the 2016 AAC Cross Country Championships being contested at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester. One academic year later, Gettler Stadium served as the site of the 2018 AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
// THE AD STAT SPREE
In her first three seasons with the Bearcats, Amanda Donovan has certainly made her mark on the program. Not only is she one of only six players to rank in the program's all-time Top 10 in the three scoring categories (goals, assists & points) and one of four in the Top 10 of the three defensive categories (ground balls, draw controls & caused turnovers), but she is the only player in UC history to be ranked in the Top 10 of all six categories. Heading into her senior campaign, Donovan currently ranks ninth in goals (55), tied for ninth in assists (21), seventh in points (76), ninth in ground balls (84), ninth in draw controls (71) and fourth in caused turnovers (59).
// GETTING DEFENSIVE
Another reason the Bearcats fared well in 2018 was the play of Giuliana Durso in goal. The then junior posted 161 saves, averaging 9.47 per contest to not only lead the BIG EAST, but also rank first in UC's single season history, tying her with Katherine Russo (2009 and 2010 seasons). Durso, who took the season victories record from Russo (7) with eight in 2018, finished the year with 12.95 goals against average and a 44.7 save percentage, the #5 and #4 marks, respectively, in single season history at UC.
// RECORD SEASON
Offensively in 2018, the team snapped eight program records and added two more on defense as well. Here is how the Bearcats fared:
• 201 Goals: The team bettered the previous record by 13 goals (188) they set one year prior and scored 200+ goals in a season for the first time in program history
• 86 Assists: UC recorded 80+ helpers for the first time ever and surpassed the previous record of 78 that was set in 2010 (the 2017 team had 70, good enough for third)
• 287 Points: The 287 points broke the previous record of 258 points (2017) by 29
• 504 Shots: Like its goal total, UC recorded 500+ shots for the first time in program history and beat out the previous mark by 37 attempts (467 in 2017)
• 371 Shots on Goal: Of those record shots, a record 371 were on frame, an improvement of 26 from last year's record total of 345
• 12 Man-Up Goals: Not only did UC reach double-digits for the first time in this category, it also doubled the previous record of 6 that was shared by the 2017, 2013 and 2012 teams
• 43 Free-Position Goals: The 43 FPG edged the 2009 team's record of 42, marking just the second time UC has converted 40+ free-position shots in a season
• 8 Game-winning Goals: The 2009 and 2013 teams held the record with seven before the 2018 team won a record eight games on the season
• 501 Ground Balls: The total also led the NCAA last year
• 187 Caused Turnovers: Not only did the 187 surpass 2017's 169 turnovers by 18, it also marked the fourth year in a row the Bearcats have bettered the previous single season record
// HELLO! MY NAME IS...
The team added nine newcomers to the roster prior to this season with eight freshmen and one sophomore transfer. The rookies include Zoe Antona (Roswell, Ga.), Kate Brocato (Baltimore, Md.), Brooke Holmstrom (Canton, Ga.), Camille Johnston (West Chester, Ohio), Isabelle LeJeune (Williamsburg, Va.), Kylie Nause (Phoenix, Md.) and Anna Platou (Naperville, Ill.). The final newcomer to the group is Lauren Harrison, who will be a sophomore this season after playing her freshman season with Mount St. Mary's before transferring to UC this fall.
// NEW TO THE CREW
The players are not the only newcomers to the program this year as Caitlin Prince has joined the Bearcats as an assistant coach. Prince, who played collegiately at Duquesne, including her first two years under then assistant coach Gina Thomas, comes to Cincinnati after serving as an assistant at her Alma Mater from 2017 to 2018. Prior to that, she served as an assistant at Robert Morris (2015-16).
// LAST GO AROUND
As with every season, several Bearcats will be suiting up for the final time in 2019 as four players are entering their senior seasons. The Class of 2019 includes Maria Collacchi (Parkton, Md.), Amanda Donovan (Ellicott City, Md.), Giuliana Durso (Mendham, N.J.) and Jayde Sains (East Islip, N.Y.). The group will be honored at Senior Day April 20 when the Bearcats play host to Vanderbilt.
// MAKING THE GRADE
Following the fall semester, the grades were tabulated and the Bearcats recorded a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.466 as 23 of the players posted at least a 3.0 GPA. To top that off, 15 players held GPAs of 3.4 or better in the semester to be named to the Dean's List while five of those players - Alyssa Adams, Monica Borzillo, Kate Brocato, Maria Collacchi and Alexandra Fess - each were named TopCats as they all posted perfect 4.0 GPAs.
// NEXT TIME
Cincinnati will have a little time off from competition as their next game will come days after the Michigan tilt as the Bearcats will travel to face Louisville in a 3 p.m. contest on Wednesday, March 13. That will be the only game for UC that week as they will not play again until hosting back-to-back home games on March 22 and 24 when both San Diego State (5 p.m.) and Garner-Webb (Noon) come to town.