Written by Rochelle Farnum
During October 29 – 31, the Women’s Lacrosse Sport Club team headed west to the 20th Annual Lacrosse Tournament in Waikiki, HI where they earned third place in the Hawaii Lacrosse Invitational.
Playing against teams from both Japan and Canada, the Gauchos proved to be a dominant force despite a variety of competitors. Even with just a short time together, junior Meagan Cruse, team Captain and attack player, commented on their cohesion as a team, “We are still in Fall Ball getting to know each other, but we played as a team that has been working together for years.”
The Women’s Lacrosse team faced their biggest challenge during their third game against the Wahine Lacrosse team, which was stacked with some of the most experienced players of the tournament.
“The Hawaii team was filled with ex-team US, Northwestern and Navy Academy players,” Maegan said. “We knew they were the most competitive team at the tournament.”
After falling behind a going into half time, the team was at a crossroad, left to make a choice.
“We had a choice to keep playing as we were, or to step-up our game and play at their level,” she said. “We chose the opportunity to play competitively. After the half, we scored three consecutive goals, and just fell short during sudden death. It was a great showcase of teamwork and athleticism.”
Although the team fell short in their third game, they left the tournament on a win against West Coast Force, a team made up of college alumni and city college players from Santa Barbara and southern California. With a successful tournament, the team looks toward season with high hopes and motivation.
“I was very impressed and proud of all the girls,” Maegan said. “After this tournament, I feel that we’re going into season excited, driven, and set on winning the Women’s Lacrosse first ever National title."
