Tickets// THE OPENING DRAW
The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team will look to continue its winning ways Saturday as the Bearcats, winners of six in a row overall and eight in a row at home, will play host to Vanderbilt in a 1 p.m. American Athletic Conference game at Gettler Stadium featuring two programs that have already clinched a place in the upcoming league tournament. The Bearcats (9-5, 3-0 AAC), who will be making their first postseason appearance in two weeks with the AAC event comes to Cincinnati, will look to remain undefeated in the Commodores (10-3, 2-1 AAC), the league's top offense, coming to town looking to spoil Senior Day for UC.
// 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.
// QUICK SHOTS
• Cincinnati is 9-5 overall and a perfect 3-0 in the American, which is tied for first place with #18 Florida
• UC has won six games in a row, tying last year's team for the longest streak in program history
• The Bearcats also have won eight in a row at home following a season-opening defeat to Ohio State
• UC will honor its four seniors ahead of Saturday's game in a Senior Day ceremony at 12:45 p.m.
• Through the first three AAC games (of five), the Bearcats stand 3-0 and have already clinched a berth into the AAC Tournament (May 2-4 in Cincinnati), the first postseason appearance in program history
• UC claimed its spot following a 12-9 win over Temple, UC's first over the Owls in six tries
• Following the game, Sam Mlkvy was named the AAC Midfielder of the Week and Monica Borzillo was selected to the weekly AAC Honor Roll
• Borzillo enters the week needing one goal to take the single-season record with her 48th and is three assists shy of reaching the 100 career plateau as well
• Speaking of 100, Donovan (97) and Mlkvy (96) are also closing in on 100 points in their careers while Donovan needs just 2 draw controls to reach 100 for her career
• Durso is 9-3 on the year in goal (already the single-season wins record holder in back-to-back years), and needs one more win to tie the career wins record of 18 set by Meg Gulmi (2013-16)
• As a team, UC needs to following to break single-season team records: two goals, three assists, five points and three caused turnovers while one draw control would mark the fifth time UC has had 200+ in a year
// THANK YOU, SENIORS!
Ahead of Saturday's game, the program will honor its four seniors: Maria Collacchi, Amanda Donovan, Giuliana Durso and Jayde Sains. Collectively, the Class of 2019 has recorded 27 wins, easily the most of any class in program history, while setting back-to-back season wins records with nine this year after eight last year. The group also has led the Bearcats to three-consecutive years of six or more wins in a season, the only such streak in program history.
// TICKET PUNCHED
For the first time in program history, the Bearcats will be playing in the postseason as Saturday's triumph over Temple clinched a berth of UC in the 2019 AAC Tournament that will be played in Cincinnati May 2 and May 4. The Bearcats, Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores have claimed three of the four spots in the event that will see the semifinals contested at 4:30 p.m. and 45 minutes following that game on May 2 with the final being held May 4 at 1 p.m. All games will be played at the Sheakley Athletic Center on the UC campus. Tickets for the event will be available at the gates only the day of the games (no online purchasing).
// AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS
Heading into the inaugural season of the AAC, the coaches vote had the Bearcats picked to finish fifth in the six-team league, missing out on the tournament as only the Top 4 would qualify. Flash forward to this now and the Bearcats are tied atop the league standings at 3-0 and will be among the four teams playing in the tournament in Cincinnati.
// A WIN SATURDAY WOULD MEAN...
• The program's first 10-win season
• Breaking a tie for the longest win streak in program history (six, 2018)
• The ninth win in a row at home this year, equaling the home win total of the past two years combined
• Doubling the most conference wins in program history (2 in 2017)
• UC remains in the AAC regular season title hunt at 4-0
• Posting consecutive home wins over a conference foe for the first time in program history
• Going undefeated in league play at home for the first time in program history
• The 28th win for the seniors, 8 more than any other senior class in program history
// SCOUTING: VANDERBILT
The Commodores enter the game with a 10-3 overall record and stand third in the AAC standings with a 2-1 record with wins over ECU (14-10) and UConn (22-15) and a loss to #17 Florida (18-9). Vanderbilt opened the year winners of their first five in a row before falling in double overtime at San Diego State, 15-14, to an Aztec team UC would defeat two weeks later at home, 17-11. Offensively, the top-scoring team in the AAC is averaging 15.23 per contest with 10 players having scored at least 10 goals each with Sophie Furlong leading the charge with 27. Defensively, Lily Argyle has seen most of the action in goal with a 10.54 goals against average and a .429 save percentage after allowing 107 goals and stopping 69 shots.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. COMMODORES
The Commodores hold a 6-1 lead in the all-time series and won the last meeting, 17-6, in Nashville last year. The last time the two teams met in Cincinnati as the Bearcats claim their first win in the series as Katie Stegmann found Amanda Donovan on the doorstep with Donovan firing home the winning goal with three seconds remaining in the contest for a 10-9 win. The two teams have not played one another at Gettler Stadium as the last two Queen City meetings were played at the Sheakley Athletics Center with the first meeting being held inside Nippert Stadium.
// BACK-TO-BACK?
This year, the Bearcats have achieved many firsts, including their first wins in program history over both UConn and Temple. Heading into the game with Vanderbilt, a win for the Bearcats would mark the first time UC has downed a league foe in back-to-back home meetings after defeating the Commodores, 10-9, at the end of the 2017 season. The Bearcats defeated ECU for the second year a row earlier this year, but last year's tilt was not a conference game as the Pirates were independents in their first varsity season.
// QUICK RECAP: UC DOWNS TEMPLE
• The Bearcats defeated Temple, 12-9, downing the Owls for the first time in six tries in the all-time series
• Monica Borzillo led the way with eight points on four goals and four assists while Sam Mlkvy added a hat trick as the Bearcats trailed, 4-0, before clawing back to claim a halftime lead and eventually the win
• Adrianna Fess and Amanda Fess each had three caused turnovers as the team collected 15 on the day
• Giuliana Durso picked up her single-season record ninth win of the year with six saves in the game
• The win punched UC's ticket to its first postseason appearance (2019 AAC Tournament)
// STREAKING • ALL
The Bearcats are currently on a six-game winning streak, which ties for the longest in program history. With a win Saturday over Vanderbilt, the Bearcats would break the tie for longest winning streak with the 2018 squad that won six in a row as well.
// STREAKING • HOME
With the team has won six in a row, it also has won eight in a row at home after falling to Ohio State in the season opener. Those eight wins in a row at home stand as the longest streak in a single season in UC history and ties for the longest home winning streak in program history after the 2013 team won its final five home contests and the 2014 squad captured wins in its first three.
// HOME SWEET HOME
With an 8-1 home record, UC has easily smashed its previous record for home wins in a season as three teams held the record with five, including last year's squad. In fact, if the Bearcats defeat Vanderbilt Saturday, UC will have nine wins at home this season, which would equal the amount of victories it had accumulated in the previous two years after going 4-3 in 2017 and 5-5 last year.
// ANOTHER FIRST WIN
With the win over Temple, the Bearcats have recorded three first wins in a series this year. First, UC evened its all-time record with San Diego State at 1-1 before downing UConn for the first time in 11 meetings (1-10). Last weekend, UC moved to 1-6 against the Owls with the 12-9 victory.
// CHASING WINS
UC's nine wins are the most in program history in a single season and breaks the school record for the second year in a row after last year's eight became the new standard. With one more win this season, the Bearcats will post their 10th victory, reaching double digit wins for the first time in program history.
// LOCKED IN
Sitting at 9-5 with three games to go in the regular season, the Bearcats have locked up a winning record (.500 or better) for the first time in program history. The previous best came last year when the team went 8-9 to post a .471 winning percentage.
// TWO MORE AWARDS
Following their play last week, Mlkvy was named the AAC Midfielder of the Week and Borzillo earned a spot on the weekly Honor Roll.
// RUNNING TOTAL
With those two awards, the Bearcats have earned a total of 18 conference honors this year. That list includes three attacker (Borzillo), two midfield (Alyssa Adams & Mlkvy), one defensive (Durso), five freshman (Kylie Nause) and seven Honor Rolls (Gysin 2x, Adams, Borzillo 2x and Mlkvy 2x).
// UNDER CONTROL
Mlkvy was all over the field Saturday helping UC to a 12-9 win, the first in the history over the program over Temple and helping UC punch its ticket to its first-ever postseason event as the team has now won a program-record-tying six games in a row. The junior scored three goals, scooped four ground balls, collected six draw controls and caused one turnover in the game as UC stayed perfect in league play. Her play on offense saw her score her 12th career hat trick and the fifth of the season while also seeing her draw control total rise to 61 on the year, the most in a single season in program history, surpassing the 60 she tallied last year.
// FEELING HONORED
Borzillo had another remarkable day on the field for the Bearcats as she tallied eight points on four goals and four assists to not only help UC to its first win over Temple in six tries, but also punch its ticket to the AAC Tournament, marking what will be the team's first postseason appearance in program history. Borzillo tallied her 23rd career and 10th of the season hat trick while also recording her sixth of the year and 12th career 'double hat trick' with 3+ goal and 3+ assists in the same game. On a season level, she now has 47 goals, which ties the UC record (Laura Simanski, 2009) while holding the assist record at 36 and the points record at 83. The only UC player to reach the 60, 70 and 80-point marks in program history, Borzillo now has 97 career assists, leaving her three shy of the century mark.
// RECORD WATCH: BORZILLO
So far this year, Borzillo is averaging 5.93 points (#1 AAC), 3.36 goals (#2 AAC) and 2.57 assists (#1 AAC). If she hits her averages against the Commodores, Borzillo will exit the weekend with several more records to her name. For the season, her 47 goals are tied for the record with Laura Simanski (2009) while her 36 assists and 83 points are #1. She also is just six shots off her own single-season record and five off her shots on goal mark. On a career level, Borzillo enters the weekend 25 goals off the record of Simanski, three helpers from becoming the first UC player to reach 100 assists, two shots from the record of 315 and nine from the shots on goal record.
// BICENTENNI-GOAL
Borzillo scored four times last week with her first goal tying the score at 5-5 in the first half. That goal not only helped UC come back from an early 4-0 deficit to Temple, it also became the 1,819th goal scored in program history or, as we are calling it, the 'bicentenni-goal'. This year, the University is celebrating its bicentennial after being founded in 1819 and the Bearcats helped celebrate that by scoring their 1,819th goal this season.
// CHASING 100
Several individuals are nearing 100 in several career categories ahead of Saturday's game or have recently hit the mark as well. In career points, Amanda Donovan (97 points on 70 goals and 27 assists) and Sam Mlkvy (96 points on 73 goals and 23 assists) are three and four points away, respectively, from joining the 100-point club. Mlkvy and Monica Borzillo both hit the 100 mark in ground balls last week with Morgan Dukes next in line to reach the mark as she sits at 96 currently. Dukes leads the team with 47 ground balls this year, leaving her three shy of becoming just the third UC player to record 50 in a season. Lastly, Donovan could reach 100 in two more categories a she currently has 98 career draw controls and has 84 caused turnovers.
// TEAM RECORDS WATCH
While several individuals are closing in on milestones, so too is the team. Offensively, the Bearcats currently have 200 goals scored, 83 assists and 283 points, totals that all rank second in single-season history at UC. Heading into Saturday's game, UC would need to score one goal, tally three assists and record four points to tie those three categories. Additionally, the 184 caused turnovers UC has recorded this year are three off the record while the 199 draw controls recorded are one shy of marking the fifth time UC has recorded 200 or more in single season.
// DURSO WINS
With the team adding wins, so does goalie Giuliana Durso, who holds a 9-3 record this year. With the nine victories, she has now broken the single-season victories record for the second year in a row after her eight wins last year became the new standard. On a career level, Durso has tallied 17 wins, leaving her one shy of Meg Gulmi's record of 18 wins during her time at UC (2013-16).
// TOP OF HER CLASS
Following Saturday's game with Temple, Kylie Nause has now scored 29 goals and added three assists for 32 points. With those numbers and the other games played across the league, she continues to lead all freshmen in the AAC in goals scored with the next closest player being Camryn Pennypacker of ECU who has 18. Nause is also currently tied for the lead among rookies in points as UConn's Lia Laprise has 32 points on 16 goals and 16 assists so far this year.
// NOT GETTING GOALS
While the Bearcats have been scoring well this year, their opponents have been limited, especially lately as the Bearcats have allowed nine or fewer goals to be scored in each of the last five games. With six such games this year, the 2019 squad ranks tied for second for the most nine or fewer goals scored games in a season with the 2013 team while the eight recorded by the 2016 team is the record. Additionally, the five goals UC allowed to ECU were the fewest allowed this year and the lowest total in the past two years after winning 21-3 over Butler April 1, 2017. In fact, the five goals allowed is tied for the eighth-lowest in a game for UC with four games of allowing three, three games of allowing four and six other games allowing five in program history.
PREVIOUSLY NOTED
// BACK-TO-BACK SCORING
Near the end of March, the Bearcats scored 17 against San Diego State and 22 against Gardner-Webb, totaling a combined 39 goals for the back-to-back contests. That total is the second-highest back-to-back scoring output in program history behind only the 41 scored earlier this year in wins over Kent State (19) and Marquette (22). Additionally, the 39 goals scored mark just the fifth time in program history the Bearcats have scored 30+ in back-to-back games and the fourth time in the last three years. The first time it happened was in 2012 before UC making it happen once each in 2017 and 2018 before the two occurrences this season.
// GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
With their 22 goals scored against the Runnin' Bulldogs, the Bearcats have now scored 20 or more goals in a game twice this year after also scoring 22 against Marquette earlier. While both goal totals tied the program record for goals in a game, Sunday's output marked the seventh time in UC history the team has tallied 20 or more in a contest. Additionally, UC has only scored 20 or more in two games in the same season twice: this year and in 2017 when it tallied a pair of 21-goal games.
// 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.
// 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.
// 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. The semifinal games will be played at 4:30 p.m. and 45 minutes after the first game concludes with the final taking place Saturday at 1 p.m.
// 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.
// 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
With the 2019 regular season home schedule in the books, the Bearcats will travel to Florida next week for two games, stepping out of conference play to take on Stetson before capping the season at #18 Florida. First, the Bearcats and Hatters will meet in a 3 p.m. contest in Deland, Fla., that will be aired live on ESPN+ on Thursday, April 25. Two days later, the Bearcats will face the #18 Gators in Gainesville, Fla., for a noon game Saturday, April 27, that will be streamed live on YouTube.
The University of Cincinnati lacrosse team will look to continue its winning ways Saturday as the Bearcats, winners of six in a row overall and eight in a row at home, will play host to Vanderbilt in a 1 p.m. American Athletic Conference game at Gettler Stadium featuring two programs that have already clinched a place in the upcoming league tournament. The Bearcats (9-5, 3-0 AAC), who will be making their first postseason appearance in two weeks with the AAC event comes to Cincinnati, will look to remain undefeated in the Commodores (10-3, 2-1 AAC), the league's top offense, coming to town looking to spoil Senior Day for UC.
// 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.
// QUICK SHOTS
• Cincinnati is 9-5 overall and a perfect 3-0 in the American, which is tied for first place with #18 Florida
• UC has won six games in a row, tying last year's team for the longest streak in program history
• The Bearcats also have won eight in a row at home following a season-opening defeat to Ohio State
• UC will honor its four seniors ahead of Saturday's game in a Senior Day ceremony at 12:45 p.m.
• Through the first three AAC games (of five), the Bearcats stand 3-0 and have already clinched a berth into the AAC Tournament (May 2-4 in Cincinnati), the first postseason appearance in program history
• UC claimed its spot following a 12-9 win over Temple, UC's first over the Owls in six tries
• Following the game, Sam Mlkvy was named the AAC Midfielder of the Week and Monica Borzillo was selected to the weekly AAC Honor Roll
• Borzillo enters the week needing one goal to take the single-season record with her 48th and is three assists shy of reaching the 100 career plateau as well
• Speaking of 100, Donovan (97) and Mlkvy (96) are also closing in on 100 points in their careers while Donovan needs just 2 draw controls to reach 100 for her career
• Durso is 9-3 on the year in goal (already the single-season wins record holder in back-to-back years), and needs one more win to tie the career wins record of 18 set by Meg Gulmi (2013-16)
• As a team, UC needs to following to break single-season team records: two goals, three assists, five points and three caused turnovers while one draw control would mark the fifth time UC has had 200+ in a year
// THANK YOU, SENIORS!
Ahead of Saturday's game, the program will honor its four seniors: Maria Collacchi, Amanda Donovan, Giuliana Durso and Jayde Sains. Collectively, the Class of 2019 has recorded 27 wins, easily the most of any class in program history, while setting back-to-back season wins records with nine this year after eight last year. The group also has led the Bearcats to three-consecutive years of six or more wins in a season, the only such streak in program history.
// TICKET PUNCHED
For the first time in program history, the Bearcats will be playing in the postseason as Saturday's triumph over Temple clinched a berth of UC in the 2019 AAC Tournament that will be played in Cincinnati May 2 and May 4. The Bearcats, Florida Gators and Vanderbilt Commodores have claimed three of the four spots in the event that will see the semifinals contested at 4:30 p.m. and 45 minutes following that game on May 2 with the final being held May 4 at 1 p.m. All games will be played at the Sheakley Athletic Center on the UC campus. Tickets for the event will be available at the gates only the day of the games (no online purchasing).
// AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS
Heading into the inaugural season of the AAC, the coaches vote had the Bearcats picked to finish fifth in the six-team league, missing out on the tournament as only the Top 4 would qualify. Flash forward to this now and the Bearcats are tied atop the league standings at 3-0 and will be among the four teams playing in the tournament in Cincinnati.
// A WIN SATURDAY WOULD MEAN...
• The program's first 10-win season
• Breaking a tie for the longest win streak in program history (six, 2018)
• The ninth win in a row at home this year, equaling the home win total of the past two years combined
• Doubling the most conference wins in program history (2 in 2017)
• UC remains in the AAC regular season title hunt at 4-0
• Posting consecutive home wins over a conference foe for the first time in program history
• Going undefeated in league play at home for the first time in program history
• The 28th win for the seniors, 8 more than any other senior class in program history
// SCOUTING: VANDERBILT
The Commodores enter the game with a 10-3 overall record and stand third in the AAC standings with a 2-1 record with wins over ECU (14-10) and UConn (22-15) and a loss to #17 Florida (18-9). Vanderbilt opened the year winners of their first five in a row before falling in double overtime at San Diego State, 15-14, to an Aztec team UC would defeat two weeks later at home, 17-11. Offensively, the top-scoring team in the AAC is averaging 15.23 per contest with 10 players having scored at least 10 goals each with Sophie Furlong leading the charge with 27. Defensively, Lily Argyle has seen most of the action in goal with a 10.54 goals against average and a .429 save percentage after allowing 107 goals and stopping 69 shots.
// SERIES HISTORY: BEARCATS vs. COMMODORES
The Commodores hold a 6-1 lead in the all-time series and won the last meeting, 17-6, in Nashville last year. The last time the two teams met in Cincinnati as the Bearcats claim their first win in the series as Katie Stegmann found Amanda Donovan on the doorstep with Donovan firing home the winning goal with three seconds remaining in the contest for a 10-9 win. The two teams have not played one another at Gettler Stadium as the last two Queen City meetings were played at the Sheakley Athletics Center with the first meeting being held inside Nippert Stadium.
// BACK-TO-BACK?
This year, the Bearcats have achieved many firsts, including their first wins in program history over both UConn and Temple. Heading into the game with Vanderbilt, a win for the Bearcats would mark the first time UC has downed a league foe in back-to-back home meetings after defeating the Commodores, 10-9, at the end of the 2017 season. The Bearcats defeated ECU for the second year a row earlier this year, but last year's tilt was not a conference game as the Pirates were independents in their first varsity season.
// QUICK RECAP: UC DOWNS TEMPLE
• The Bearcats defeated Temple, 12-9, downing the Owls for the first time in six tries in the all-time series
• Monica Borzillo led the way with eight points on four goals and four assists while Sam Mlkvy added a hat trick as the Bearcats trailed, 4-0, before clawing back to claim a halftime lead and eventually the win
• Adrianna Fess and Amanda Fess each had three caused turnovers as the team collected 15 on the day
• Giuliana Durso picked up her single-season record ninth win of the year with six saves in the game
• The win punched UC's ticket to its first postseason appearance (2019 AAC Tournament)
// STREAKING • ALL
The Bearcats are currently on a six-game winning streak, which ties for the longest in program history. With a win Saturday over Vanderbilt, the Bearcats would break the tie for longest winning streak with the 2018 squad that won six in a row as well.
// STREAKING • HOME
With the team has won six in a row, it also has won eight in a row at home after falling to Ohio State in the season opener. Those eight wins in a row at home stand as the longest streak in a single season in UC history and ties for the longest home winning streak in program history after the 2013 team won its final five home contests and the 2014 squad captured wins in its first three.
// HOME SWEET HOME
With an 8-1 home record, UC has easily smashed its previous record for home wins in a season as three teams held the record with five, including last year's squad. In fact, if the Bearcats defeat Vanderbilt Saturday, UC will have nine wins at home this season, which would equal the amount of victories it had accumulated in the previous two years after going 4-3 in 2017 and 5-5 last year.
// ANOTHER FIRST WIN
With the win over Temple, the Bearcats have recorded three first wins in a series this year. First, UC evened its all-time record with San Diego State at 1-1 before downing UConn for the first time in 11 meetings (1-10). Last weekend, UC moved to 1-6 against the Owls with the 12-9 victory.
// CHASING WINS
UC's nine wins are the most in program history in a single season and breaks the school record for the second year in a row after last year's eight became the new standard. With one more win this season, the Bearcats will post their 10th victory, reaching double digit wins for the first time in program history.
// LOCKED IN
Sitting at 9-5 with three games to go in the regular season, the Bearcats have locked up a winning record (.500 or better) for the first time in program history. The previous best came last year when the team went 8-9 to post a .471 winning percentage.
// TWO MORE AWARDS
Following their play last week, Mlkvy was named the AAC Midfielder of the Week and Borzillo earned a spot on the weekly Honor Roll.
// RUNNING TOTAL
With those two awards, the Bearcats have earned a total of 18 conference honors this year. That list includes three attacker (Borzillo), two midfield (Alyssa Adams & Mlkvy), one defensive (Durso), five freshman (Kylie Nause) and seven Honor Rolls (Gysin 2x, Adams, Borzillo 2x and Mlkvy 2x).
// UNDER CONTROL
Mlkvy was all over the field Saturday helping UC to a 12-9 win, the first in the history over the program over Temple and helping UC punch its ticket to its first-ever postseason event as the team has now won a program-record-tying six games in a row. The junior scored three goals, scooped four ground balls, collected six draw controls and caused one turnover in the game as UC stayed perfect in league play. Her play on offense saw her score her 12th career hat trick and the fifth of the season while also seeing her draw control total rise to 61 on the year, the most in a single season in program history, surpassing the 60 she tallied last year.
// FEELING HONORED
Borzillo had another remarkable day on the field for the Bearcats as she tallied eight points on four goals and four assists to not only help UC to its first win over Temple in six tries, but also punch its ticket to the AAC Tournament, marking what will be the team's first postseason appearance in program history. Borzillo tallied her 23rd career and 10th of the season hat trick while also recording her sixth of the year and 12th career 'double hat trick' with 3+ goal and 3+ assists in the same game. On a season level, she now has 47 goals, which ties the UC record (Laura Simanski, 2009) while holding the assist record at 36 and the points record at 83. The only UC player to reach the 60, 70 and 80-point marks in program history, Borzillo now has 97 career assists, leaving her three shy of the century mark.
// RECORD WATCH: BORZILLO
So far this year, Borzillo is averaging 5.93 points (#1 AAC), 3.36 goals (#2 AAC) and 2.57 assists (#1 AAC). If she hits her averages against the Commodores, Borzillo will exit the weekend with several more records to her name. For the season, her 47 goals are tied for the record with Laura Simanski (2009) while her 36 assists and 83 points are #1. She also is just six shots off her own single-season record and five off her shots on goal mark. On a career level, Borzillo enters the weekend 25 goals off the record of Simanski, three helpers from becoming the first UC player to reach 100 assists, two shots from the record of 315 and nine from the shots on goal record.
// BICENTENNI-GOAL
Borzillo scored four times last week with her first goal tying the score at 5-5 in the first half. That goal not only helped UC come back from an early 4-0 deficit to Temple, it also became the 1,819th goal scored in program history or, as we are calling it, the 'bicentenni-goal'. This year, the University is celebrating its bicentennial after being founded in 1819 and the Bearcats helped celebrate that by scoring their 1,819th goal this season.
// CHASING 100
Several individuals are nearing 100 in several career categories ahead of Saturday's game or have recently hit the mark as well. In career points, Amanda Donovan (97 points on 70 goals and 27 assists) and Sam Mlkvy (96 points on 73 goals and 23 assists) are three and four points away, respectively, from joining the 100-point club. Mlkvy and Monica Borzillo both hit the 100 mark in ground balls last week with Morgan Dukes next in line to reach the mark as she sits at 96 currently. Dukes leads the team with 47 ground balls this year, leaving her three shy of becoming just the third UC player to record 50 in a season. Lastly, Donovan could reach 100 in two more categories a she currently has 98 career draw controls and has 84 caused turnovers.
// TEAM RECORDS WATCH
While several individuals are closing in on milestones, so too is the team. Offensively, the Bearcats currently have 200 goals scored, 83 assists and 283 points, totals that all rank second in single-season history at UC. Heading into Saturday's game, UC would need to score one goal, tally three assists and record four points to tie those three categories. Additionally, the 184 caused turnovers UC has recorded this year are three off the record while the 199 draw controls recorded are one shy of marking the fifth time UC has recorded 200 or more in single season.
// DURSO WINS
With the team adding wins, so does goalie Giuliana Durso, who holds a 9-3 record this year. With the nine victories, she has now broken the single-season victories record for the second year in a row after her eight wins last year became the new standard. On a career level, Durso has tallied 17 wins, leaving her one shy of Meg Gulmi's record of 18 wins during her time at UC (2013-16).
// TOP OF HER CLASS
Following Saturday's game with Temple, Kylie Nause has now scored 29 goals and added three assists for 32 points. With those numbers and the other games played across the league, she continues to lead all freshmen in the AAC in goals scored with the next closest player being Camryn Pennypacker of ECU who has 18. Nause is also currently tied for the lead among rookies in points as UConn's Lia Laprise has 32 points on 16 goals and 16 assists so far this year.
// NOT GETTING GOALS
While the Bearcats have been scoring well this year, their opponents have been limited, especially lately as the Bearcats have allowed nine or fewer goals to be scored in each of the last five games. With six such games this year, the 2019 squad ranks tied for second for the most nine or fewer goals scored games in a season with the 2013 team while the eight recorded by the 2016 team is the record. Additionally, the five goals UC allowed to ECU were the fewest allowed this year and the lowest total in the past two years after winning 21-3 over Butler April 1, 2017. In fact, the five goals allowed is tied for the eighth-lowest in a game for UC with four games of allowing three, three games of allowing four and six other games allowing five in program history.
PREVIOUSLY NOTED
// BACK-TO-BACK SCORING
Near the end of March, the Bearcats scored 17 against San Diego State and 22 against Gardner-Webb, totaling a combined 39 goals for the back-to-back contests. That total is the second-highest back-to-back scoring output in program history behind only the 41 scored earlier this year in wins over Kent State (19) and Marquette (22). Additionally, the 39 goals scored mark just the fifth time in program history the Bearcats have scored 30+ in back-to-back games and the fourth time in the last three years. The first time it happened was in 2012 before UC making it happen once each in 2017 and 2018 before the two occurrences this season.
// GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
With their 22 goals scored against the Runnin' Bulldogs, the Bearcats have now scored 20 or more goals in a game twice this year after also scoring 22 against Marquette earlier. While both goal totals tied the program record for goals in a game, Sunday's output marked the seventh time in UC history the team has tallied 20 or more in a contest. Additionally, UC has only scored 20 or more in two games in the same season twice: this year and in 2017 when it tallied a pair of 21-goal games.
// 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.
// 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.
// 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. The semifinal games will be played at 4:30 p.m. and 45 minutes after the first game concludes with the final taking place Saturday at 1 p.m.
// 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.
// 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
With the 2019 regular season home schedule in the books, the Bearcats will travel to Florida next week for two games, stepping out of conference play to take on Stetson before capping the season at #18 Florida. First, the Bearcats and Hatters will meet in a 3 p.m. contest in Deland, Fla., that will be aired live on ESPN+ on Thursday, April 25. Two days later, the Bearcats will face the #18 Gators in Gainesville, Fla., for a noon game Saturday, April 27, that will be streamed live on YouTube.