All photos courtesy of Janard Jones/Lasell Athletics
On Wednesday afternoon, the women’s soccer team defeated the Norwich University Cadets 5-0. The dominant performance marked the Lasers’ third win in as many games.
From the moment the referee blew his whistle, the Lasers were on their toes ready to make a statement. Vito La Francesca's squad no longer looked like the team that had previously been 1-4 at Taylor Field.
During the seventeenth minute, senior midfielder Bobbi O’Guin set up to take a corner. Perfectly placed in the middle of the goalie box was a Cadet defender who deflected the ball into her team’s net. The own goal was only the beginning of the Cadets’ troubles that afternoon.
Four minutes later, the Lasers marched down the field, and thanks to an assist from Evelyn DiFiore, freshman midfielder/forward Camdyn LaMarre was able to score her second goal of the season.
Keeping their foot on the gas, the Lasers found themselves in a prime opportunity to build on their lead. Just one minute after taking a 2-0 advantage, forward Serena Speight fired a shot into the upper left corner of the goal. The graduate student’s second goal of the season went unassisted, as the Lasers commanded a three-goal spread going into the second half.
In the last forty-five minutes, the Lasers continued to pressure the ball. Despite a superb game from Cadet sophomore defender Destiny Sanchez and some remarkable saves from Cadet sophomore goalkeeper Rebecca Karis, it was not long until the hometown favorites were able to capitalize on another mistake from their opponent.
After stealing the ball, the Lasers found the feet of O’Guin, who then made a terrific pass to freshman forward Sarah Lynch. Making a quick move and maneuvering the ball to her shooting foot, Lynch was able to put the ball in the back of the net, sending a roar of excitement throughout Taylor Field
The Lasers were not done, however.
As the game clock entered the seventy-seventh minute, the Lasers put the nail in the coffin. Scoring her second credited goal of the game and third of the season was O’Guin, who now put the Lasers up 5-0.
The Lasers’ stellar play on defense sealed the deal, as the Cadets were unable to get one shot on goal, giving freshman goalkeeper Elizabeth Dasilva her second clean slate of the season. Making a big impact on the defensive end especially were sophomore defenders Julia Vaillancourt and Taylor Thompson.
After the game, Lynch was asked about her thoughts on the match, noting that the team felt prepared from the start and was happy to earn a victory at Taylor Field.
“It’s a great feeling to start winning on your home field,” said Lynch.
Lynch was also asked about her impact as a contributing freshman who has now scored three goals this season, saying that she looks up to the captains for inspiration.
“They are all very supportive,” said Lynch. “They want the best for everyone,” she added.
The Lasers (5-4) will visit the Elms College Bolts (3-4-2) for their next game on Saturday, October 1 at 2 p.m.