Acorn

Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Joanna Whitney Midfielder Sloan Coles ('11) contributes to a goal as the Rangers beat Susquehanna University 19-10

The Drew University women's lacrosse team went into this season with an uncertain future.

Anytime an influx of new players joins an experienced squad, there are questions to be asked about team chemistry.

Two more wins this past week over Susquehanna University and Stevens Institute of Technology have left the Rangers rolling into postseason competition, as they have clinched a spot in the inaugural Landmark Conference playoffs.

The Rangers welcomed Susquehanna into Ranger Stadium this past Saturday. The first half was a frenzied, fast-paced affair with scoring seemingly coming at every turn. Both teams' offenses scored virtually unchecked and with 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Drew found itself trailing 6-5.

In one of the trademarks of their rise to prominence this season, the Rangers scored six goals in six minutes, throwing the Crusaders back onto their heels.

Leading by 11-8 at halftime, Drew's freshman class continued to prove themselves amongst the conference's elite, as Cara Jeffries ('11), Stacie Brown ('11), Brook Connell ('11) and Sloane Coles ('11) scored in quick succession to push the lead to an insurmountable 15-8.

The Rangers left the Crusaders unable to mount a comeback through consistent offensive pressure. Drew ended the game with a 37-16 edge in shots, and the final scoring margin eventually swelled to 19-10.

Drew had a balanced scoring attack, with Brown and Jeffries again leading the way, as the two scored nine goals combined. Drew's defense was effective as well, holding Susquehanna's two preeminent goal-scorers only one tally between the two.

The Rangers traveled to Hoboken, N.J. to take on Stevens Tech, ranked in the top 20 nationally and 11-3 on the season.

Drew more than held their own on the big stage, matching the Ducks point for point throughout the first half. Stevens got a two point lead less than 90 seconds into the game, but Drew's potent offense quickly stepped on the gas, leading 5-3 with 13 minutes left in the half. The Ranger defense, however, was not able to control the Stevens attack completely, and the half ended in a 7-7 tie.

Continued...

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