Jan. 30, 2010
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – The Notre Dame women’s lacrosse team opened its exhibition season on Saturday afternoon at rain-soaked Disney World of Sports versus the U.S. National Elite Team at the Champion Challenge, a US Lacrosse event.
The Irish fell behind 12-1 in the first 20 minutes of the game and trailed 14-3 at halftime on the way to a 23-7 loss.
Notre Dame was led offensively by Shaylyn Blaney, Gina Scioscia and Ansley Stewart with two goals each while freshman Betsy Mastropieri added a single goal. Maggie Tamasitis had one assist in the game.
Lindsey Munday (5g, 2a), Katie Rowan (5g, 1a) and former Irish standout Jillian Byers `09 (3g, 3a) led Team USA in the victory.
After trailing 14-3 to start the second half, the Irish rallied early in the second half, scoring four of the first five goals to cut the lead to 15-7.
“We came into this game to get experience against the best,” said Irish coach Tracy Coyne.
“We had a chance to see what people could do against a high level of competition. We had trouble with their speed and skill the first 20 minutes, but I was pleased with the way we responded over the last 40 minutes. I thought we hung in there and tried to match their intensity and speed.”
Freshman goalkeeper Ellie Hilling made 10 saves in goal for Notre Dame.
The Irish will be in action on Sunday, Jan. 31 when they play the U.S. Developmental Team at Disney World of Sports at 11:30 a.m.