Tickets// THE OPENING DRAW
After playing three road games in the last four three weeks, the University of Cincinnati lacrosse team is back home this week as the Bearcats are set to play host to San Diego State and Gardner-Webb at Gettler Stadium. The Bearcats (3-5) will first take on the Aztecs (8-1) at 5 p.m. Friday before facing the Runnin' Bulldogs (4-4) Sunday at noon.
// 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
All 10 home games on the schedule this season will be streamed live by BearcatsTV will all airing free of charge. Visit the lacrosse schedule page on GoBearcats.com and click WATCH next to the game you want to view. A link for live stats can be found on the schedule as well.
// 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.
// DRESS CODE: WEAR PINK!
Fans are encouraged to join with the Bearcats in wearing pink for Sunday's game against Gardner-Webb. Ahead of the game, which is being presented by UC Health, fans can pick up pink T-shirts and pink poms at the main gate while supplies last.
// QUICK SHOTS
• Cincinnati enters the week with a 3-5 record and have lost three in a row, all on the road
• This week's games mark the first and second games in a four-game home stand
• The last time out, UC fell at Louisville, 18-12, with Gysin netting 5 goals and Nause 3
• With her third hat trick in a row (10 goals in 3 games), Nause was named the AAC Freshman of the Week
• Gysin, who scored her second-highest goal total in a game, was named to the AAC Honor Roll
• Heading into the weekend, UC leads the AAC and the NCAA in ground balls per game (28.50) while ranking 5th nationally in caused turnovers (13.00) and 23rd in draw controls (14.25)
• Individually, Borzillo is highly ranked nationally as the AAC leader in points (5.62/gm) and assists (2.75/gm) ranks sixth and seventh, respectively, while sitting 20th in goals/game (2.88), the second-best in the AAC
• So far this year, UC is 3-1 at home, tying for the fourth-most home victories in program history with six more games left on the slate (the record is 5 in a season in both 2018 and 2013)
• In just over six weeks (May 2 & 4), the Bearcats will play host to the inaugural AAC Championship at Gettler Stadium as the Top 4 teams in the final regular season standings will play for an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament
// SCOUTING: SAN DIEGO STATE
The Aztecs, one of four teams in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), are off to an 8-1 start with their lone loss coming to #24 USC. SDSU, who defeated fellow AAC member Vanderbilt earlier this year (15-14 in 2OT), has played away from home three times, but all three were neutral site contests, making Friday's game at UC its first true road contest of 2019. Two Aztecs have scored 20+ goals this year including Taylor Sullivan (25) and Harlowe Steele (22) with three other players have hit double digits as well. Defensively, four goalies have seen minutes with Katy Sharretts earning the start in all nine contests, standing 7-1 on the year with a 10.20 goals against average after saving 89 shots and allowing 83.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. AZTECS
Cincinnati and San Diego State have played just once before with the Aztecs taking a 14-9 decision in San Diego during the 2012 season (Feb. 17). Friday's game will be the first played in Cincinnati between the teams.
// SCOUTING: GARDNER-WEBB
The Runnin' Bulldogs, who open their weekend at Kent State Friday afternoon, are 4-4 on the year and have not played a Big South Conference game in 2019. Abby Hascom leads the offense with 19 goals and 28 points while Jada Preston has 26 points on 12 goals and a team-high 14 assists. Defensively, two goalies have seen action with Katie Sylvester starting seven of the eight games, carrying a 14.85 goals against average while stopping 50 shots and allowing 81 goals.
// SERIES HISTORY: UC vs. RUNNIN' BULLDOGS
Cincinnati leads the all-time series with Gardner-Webb, winning both of the meetings held over the past two seasons. The Bearcats are 1-0 all-time when the series is played in Cincinnati after winning 21-6 on March 17, 2017, in the first meeting of the two programs. Last year, the Bearcats won in Boiling Springs, N.C., 20-9.
// QUICK RECAP: BACK AND FORTH
• Cincinnati dropped an 18-12 game at Louisville last Thursday in what was a game of runs
• UL jumped out to a 5-0 lead before UC closed it to 5-4 before UL scored 4 more to end the half up, 9-4
• After UC opened the second half with a goal, UL scored 6 in a row (15-5) before both teams traded goals (16-6) and UC went on a 5-goal run (16-11)
• Taylor Gysin led the way with 5 goals while Kyle Nause scored her third hat trick in a row with Monica Borzillo and Sam Mlkvy each adding three assists
// QUICK TRICK
After trailing 5-0 in the early going of the game at Louisville, the Bearcats looked for a spark and got one from Gysin, who scored the first, second and fourth goals of the game to not only record her third hat trick of the season, but also put UC on a four-goal run to claw to within one at 5-4. She would later go on to add two more scores to end the day with five, her second-highest single game total behind only the six she scored against Marquette earlier this year.
// A HAT TRICK OF HAT TRICKS
Once again, Nause found her scoring touch as she tallied three goals in the game, giving her not only her third hat trick of the season, but her third in a row. In the recently completed three-game road swing, Nause went from having two goals to her credit to 12 total after scoring three at Central Michigan, four at #20 Michigan and three at Louisville.
// FEELING HONORED
Following last week's action, two members of the team were selected for awards by the American with Nause earning her second freshman of the week accolade while Gysin was named to the Honor Roll for the second time. The duo now joins Monica Borzillo as the only Bearcats with multiple awards in 2019 after Borzillo was twice named the attacker of the week earlier this season.
// RUNNING TOTAL
With the two awards this week, the Bearcats have earned a total of eight accolades so far this year and have had at least one honoree each week the team has played. Along with the double awards for Borzillo, Gysin and Nause, two others have earned one award each as Alyssa Adams was named the midfielder of the week (Feb. 19) and Sam Mlkvy earned a spot on the Honor Roll (Feb. 12).
// TRY THESE HATS ON FOR SIZE
Speaking of running totals, the Bearcats have combined to record 18 individual hat tricks in 2019, the fifth-highest total in a season in program history and just six off the all-time record of 24 set in 2017 with nine games remaining on the regular season slate. Averaging 2.25 hat tricks per game, the Bearcats need just two more hat tricks to become the fourth squad at UC with 20 or more in a season to join the 2009, 2017 and 2018 squads.
// HOME SWEET HOME
So far in 2019, the Bearcats are 3-5 overall with four losses on the road and a 3-1 mark at home. With three wins at home already (and six more scheduled this year), the Bearcats are currently tied for the fourth-most home wins in a season with the 2009, 2014 and 2016 squads. The 2018 and 2013 teams both posted five wins in their campaigns to tie for the record while the 2017 side won four times to sit third on the ledger.
// TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!
On a conference level, the Bearcats rank in the Top 3 in most categories, including third in goals (13.12), assists (5.75) and points (18.88) per game. Individually, Borzillo is currently the AAC leader in both points (5.62) and assists (2.75) per game while ranking second in goals (2.88) per game while ranking sixth, seventh and 20th, respectively, on the NCAA charts. Three other Bearcats are among the Top 25 nationally as well with Amanda Donovan sitting sixth in ground balls (3.88) per game while Borzillo (2.25) and Donovan (2.12) rank 15th and 22nd, respectively, in caused turnovers per game.
// 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 13.12 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.
PREVIOUSLY NOTED
// QUICK SCORES
In the Michigan game, Nause scored the first goal of the game just 40 seconds into the contest, a goal that ties for the 10th-fastest scored to open a game in program history and the third this year at or under 40 seconds scored by the Bearcats. Previously, Monica Borzillo scored 20 seconds into the game at #23 Virginia Tech for the third-fastest goal in UC history before Alyssa Adams scored at 39 seconds against Detroit Mercy for the seventh-fastest (tied) in program history.
// LOTS OF HELPING
In the Michigan game, Borzillo dished out six assists, tying her career high and program single-game record that she had set twice before with both games coming in her freshman season of 2017. Along with those records, her six assists now also rank as the single-game record in the American Athletic Conference, her second such record after setting the single-game points record earlier this year against Kent State with 11.
// 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.
// 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.
// 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
Only one game awaits the Bearcats next week, but it will be a big game as Cincinnati will play host to UConn on Saturday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at Gettler Stadium. The game will be the first American Athletic Conference game played for both teams and will be the first started contest in the history of the league as the Florida at Temple game starts one hour later (noon) the same day.
After playing three road games in the last four three weeks, the University of Cincinnati lacrosse team is back home this week as the Bearcats are set to play host to San Diego State and Gardner-Webb at Gettler Stadium. The Bearcats (3-5) will first take on the Aztecs (8-1) at 5 p.m. Friday before facing the Runnin' Bulldogs (4-4) Sunday at noon.
// 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
All 10 home games on the schedule this season will be streamed live by BearcatsTV will all airing free of charge. Visit the lacrosse schedule page on GoBearcats.com and click WATCH next to the game you want to view. A link for live stats can be found on the schedule as well.
// 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.
// DRESS CODE: WEAR PINK!
Fans are encouraged to join with the Bearcats in wearing pink for Sunday's game against Gardner-Webb. Ahead of the game, which is being presented by UC Health, fans can pick up pink T-shirts and pink poms at the main gate while supplies last.
// QUICK SHOTS
• Cincinnati enters the week with a 3-5 record and have lost three in a row, all on the road
• This week's games mark the first and second games in a four-game home stand
• The last time out, UC fell at Louisville, 18-12, with Gysin netting 5 goals and Nause 3
• With her third hat trick in a row (10 goals in 3 games), Nause was named the AAC Freshman of the Week
• Gysin, who scored her second-highest goal total in a game, was named to the AAC Honor Roll
• Heading into the weekend, UC leads the AAC and the NCAA in ground balls per game (28.50) while ranking 5th nationally in caused turnovers (13.00) and 23rd in draw controls (14.25)
• Individually, Borzillo is highly ranked nationally as the AAC leader in points (5.62/gm) and assists (2.75/gm) ranks sixth and seventh, respectively, while sitting 20th in goals/game (2.88), the second-best in the AAC
• So far this year, UC is 3-1 at home, tying for the fourth-most home victories in program history with six more games left on the slate (the record is 5 in a season in both 2018 and 2013)
• In just over six weeks (May 2 & 4), the Bearcats will play host to the inaugural AAC Championship at Gettler Stadium as the Top 4 teams in the final regular season standings will play for an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament
// SCOUTING: SAN DIEGO STATE
The Aztecs, one of four teams in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), are off to an 8-1 start with their lone loss coming to #24 USC. SDSU, who defeated fellow AAC member Vanderbilt earlier this year (15-14 in 2OT), has played away from home three times, but all three were neutral site contests, making Friday's game at UC its first true road contest of 2019. Two Aztecs have scored 20+ goals this year including Taylor Sullivan (25) and Harlowe Steele (22) with three other players have hit double digits as well. Defensively, four goalies have seen minutes with Katy Sharretts earning the start in all nine contests, standing 7-1 on the year with a 10.20 goals against average after saving 89 shots and allowing 83.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. AZTECS
Cincinnati and San Diego State have played just once before with the Aztecs taking a 14-9 decision in San Diego during the 2012 season (Feb. 17). Friday's game will be the first played in Cincinnati between the teams.
// SCOUTING: GARDNER-WEBB
The Runnin' Bulldogs, who open their weekend at Kent State Friday afternoon, are 4-4 on the year and have not played a Big South Conference game in 2019. Abby Hascom leads the offense with 19 goals and 28 points while Jada Preston has 26 points on 12 goals and a team-high 14 assists. Defensively, two goalies have seen action with Katie Sylvester starting seven of the eight games, carrying a 14.85 goals against average while stopping 50 shots and allowing 81 goals.
// SERIES HISTORY: UC vs. RUNNIN' BULLDOGS
Cincinnati leads the all-time series with Gardner-Webb, winning both of the meetings held over the past two seasons. The Bearcats are 1-0 all-time when the series is played in Cincinnati after winning 21-6 on March 17, 2017, in the first meeting of the two programs. Last year, the Bearcats won in Boiling Springs, N.C., 20-9.
// QUICK RECAP: BACK AND FORTH
• Cincinnati dropped an 18-12 game at Louisville last Thursday in what was a game of runs
• UL jumped out to a 5-0 lead before UC closed it to 5-4 before UL scored 4 more to end the half up, 9-4
• After UC opened the second half with a goal, UL scored 6 in a row (15-5) before both teams traded goals (16-6) and UC went on a 5-goal run (16-11)
• Taylor Gysin led the way with 5 goals while Kyle Nause scored her third hat trick in a row with Monica Borzillo and Sam Mlkvy each adding three assists
// QUICK TRICK
After trailing 5-0 in the early going of the game at Louisville, the Bearcats looked for a spark and got one from Gysin, who scored the first, second and fourth goals of the game to not only record her third hat trick of the season, but also put UC on a four-goal run to claw to within one at 5-4. She would later go on to add two more scores to end the day with five, her second-highest single game total behind only the six she scored against Marquette earlier this year.
// A HAT TRICK OF HAT TRICKS
Once again, Nause found her scoring touch as she tallied three goals in the game, giving her not only her third hat trick of the season, but her third in a row. In the recently completed three-game road swing, Nause went from having two goals to her credit to 12 total after scoring three at Central Michigan, four at #20 Michigan and three at Louisville.
// FEELING HONORED
Following last week's action, two members of the team were selected for awards by the American with Nause earning her second freshman of the week accolade while Gysin was named to the Honor Roll for the second time. The duo now joins Monica Borzillo as the only Bearcats with multiple awards in 2019 after Borzillo was twice named the attacker of the week earlier this season.
// RUNNING TOTAL
With the two awards this week, the Bearcats have earned a total of eight accolades so far this year and have had at least one honoree each week the team has played. Along with the double awards for Borzillo, Gysin and Nause, two others have earned one award each as Alyssa Adams was named the midfielder of the week (Feb. 19) and Sam Mlkvy earned a spot on the Honor Roll (Feb. 12).
// TRY THESE HATS ON FOR SIZE
Speaking of running totals, the Bearcats have combined to record 18 individual hat tricks in 2019, the fifth-highest total in a season in program history and just six off the all-time record of 24 set in 2017 with nine games remaining on the regular season slate. Averaging 2.25 hat tricks per game, the Bearcats need just two more hat tricks to become the fourth squad at UC with 20 or more in a season to join the 2009, 2017 and 2018 squads.
// HOME SWEET HOME
So far in 2019, the Bearcats are 3-5 overall with four losses on the road and a 3-1 mark at home. With three wins at home already (and six more scheduled this year), the Bearcats are currently tied for the fourth-most home wins in a season with the 2009, 2014 and 2016 squads. The 2018 and 2013 teams both posted five wins in their campaigns to tie for the record while the 2017 side won four times to sit third on the ledger.
// TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!
On a conference level, the Bearcats rank in the Top 3 in most categories, including third in goals (13.12), assists (5.75) and points (18.88) per game. Individually, Borzillo is currently the AAC leader in both points (5.62) and assists (2.75) per game while ranking second in goals (2.88) per game while ranking sixth, seventh and 20th, respectively, on the NCAA charts. Three other Bearcats are among the Top 25 nationally as well with Amanda Donovan sitting sixth in ground balls (3.88) per game while Borzillo (2.25) and Donovan (2.12) rank 15th and 22nd, respectively, in caused turnovers per game.
// 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 13.12 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.
PREVIOUSLY NOTED
// QUICK SCORES
In the Michigan game, Nause scored the first goal of the game just 40 seconds into the contest, a goal that ties for the 10th-fastest scored to open a game in program history and the third this year at or under 40 seconds scored by the Bearcats. Previously, Monica Borzillo scored 20 seconds into the game at #23 Virginia Tech for the third-fastest goal in UC history before Alyssa Adams scored at 39 seconds against Detroit Mercy for the seventh-fastest (tied) in program history.
// LOTS OF HELPING
In the Michigan game, Borzillo dished out six assists, tying her career high and program single-game record that she had set twice before with both games coming in her freshman season of 2017. Along with those records, her six assists now also rank as the single-game record in the American Athletic Conference, her second such record after setting the single-game points record earlier this year against Kent State with 11.
// 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.
// 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.
// 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
Only one game awaits the Bearcats next week, but it will be a big game as Cincinnati will play host to UConn on Saturday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at Gettler Stadium. The game will be the first American Athletic Conference game played for both teams and will be the first started contest in the history of the league as the Florida at Temple game starts one hour later (noon) the same day.