A postgame scene filled with tearful eyes, clicking cameras and broad smiles spoke more about yesterday's Penn women's lacrosse game than any action from the opening draw to the final horn ever could have. The Quakers won their final game of the season in dramatic fashion, defeating the Rutgers, 13-8. "It felt good to go out with a win," senior midfielder Lauren Mitchell said. "We played with confidence and determination today." Penn dominated Rutgers from the outset in a game that was one of the Quakers' finest efforts of the season. "We pulled together as a team and pulled off a nice victory," attacker Katie Burg said. "We played with intensity and played together as a team." Although the events on the field were a rousing success, once the game clock was finally filled with zeros, the off-the-field camaraderie demonstrated the culmination of a season full of wins, losses, teammates and friendship. The team huddled together for one final time, then the smiles, hugs and tears that so often signify the end of an era began to flow. For the six seniors on the Penn squad playing their last game, it was a chance to reflect on the end of their lacrosse careers. "It's unbelievable that it's all over. The past four years have been incredible," senior attacker Lori Frutkin said. "Lacrosse shaped my time here, and next year it will be strange not to be a part of it." Burg echoed many of the same sentiments. "It has been four long, rewarding and personally challenging years," Burg said. "I have enjoyed every minute of it." This year's squad was slow in developing, but it has finished with a flourish. After starting off slowly, the season ended on a high note for the Quakers, winners of their final three games. "We got started late this season, but we've finished with a bang," senior Melissa Sage said. A potent first-half attack last night helped the Red and Blue jump out to an commanding, double-digit lead before halftime. The balanced Quakers scoring effort included goals by nine different players, including four by Sage. "It was a great way to end the season," freshman attacker Abigail Whitehead said. "We showed amazing intensity and pulled together as a team." The Penn squad was pleased by yesterday's effort, reveling in the strong finish to the season. "It was was the culmination of our potential all season," senior defender Christine Walker. "It showed the heart and drive of the team, which came together both on and off the field." For several returning players, watching the seniors leave was emotional. Amy Shapiro has played three years with the seniors, and has been playing with Walker and against defender Many Higgins since seventh grade. "I can't believe they're done," Shapiro said. "Having played with these seniors for so long, it's tough to see them go. I love 'em." The sadness with which the team bids farewell to 1995 also breeds optimism for next year's squad. "Today's game demonstrated our abilities, including a lot of potential heading into next season," Sage said. As the night grew longer and the stands emptied, the Rutgers team headed toward its buses and the Penn squad headed to the locker room. Several players dwindled on the turf of Franklin Field. Seniors mused about goals scored and careers now finished, while freshmen stood in awe of their elders' storied past. Coach Anne Sage looked over with a wide grin, knowing that although her team's record might not indicate it, the true concept of teammates had been achieved.
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