Despite an offensive outburst by freshman Rachael Manson, the Penn women's lacrosse team was unable to keep up with a high-powered Northwestern squad Saturday, losing 13-6.
The loss dropped Penn to 1-1 on the year, a record that includes a triple-overtime win over Ohio State a week earlier at Franklin Field.
Against No. 3 Northwestern (6-0), Manson scored four goals for the Quakers, and junior Emily Cochran added two more. The rest of the squad, however, was unable to match their output.
The pressure offense employed by Northwestern seemed to overwhelm the No. 20 Quakers at times, breaking down their defense and setting a scoring pace the Red and Blue was unable to match.
"Their high-pressure attack kept us on our heals," Penn coach Karin Brower said. "We didn't do a good job slowing them down.
"We need to work on the basics, ball awareness, and stick awareness. Defensively, we need to get back to the basics."
The Quakers were looking to continue the momentum they had gained after the emotional win against Ohio State.
That game went to overtime after the Buckeyes scored the final two goals of regulation to tie it 7-7.
In the extra frame Ohio State struck first as Kelly Kremer put the ball past senior goalie Liz Lorelli, who had 12 saves on the afternoon. Freshman Allison Ambrozy saved the game for Penn with an unassisted goal 20 seconds later, sending the game to sudden-death.
The Quakers capitalized on its new life under a minute into the second sudden-death period as Ali Ryan took a pass from Allie Juras and put the game away.
And despite the loss to Northwestern, there were some encouraging signs for the Quakers. They were able to win one more draw and moved well on offense.
"Transition wise, we had no problem moving the ball upfield," Brower said.
"It was not a bad loss. They were definitely the better team on Saturday."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
