Yale Daily News

In its first road game of the season, the Yale women’s lacrosse team (2–0, 0–0 Ivy) defeated the University of Albany (1–2, 0–0 AEC) in a 16–14 victory. 

The Bulldogs were preparing for a difficult opponent, coming into the matchup as the underdogs. But, they fought hard regardless of expectations, finishing the game with a two-goal lead.

“I think the main feeling I have towards this season is one of appreciation. After not being able to play for the past almost two years, my mindset has really shifted in terms of lacrosse. I try my best to view everything as an opportunity,” captain Kelsey Dunn ’22 said.

Coming into the game with excitement and passion surely helped the Bulldogs, as they came back from a 5–2 deficit in the first quarter. Though the game remained close till the end, after taking the lead midway through the second quarter, the Bulldogs never trailed. 

The team’s scrappiness helped Yale clinch the win, as it picked up 17 ground balls to Albany’s 13.

It has been a great start to the season for the Yale women’s lacrosse team, as this is the first time they have started the season 2–0 since 2018. Going into the game, Yale was looking to improve their shooting percentage.

“As a team we are always looking to improve in different areas. We really need to capitalize on taking every opportunity possible to go to the cage, along with finishing our shots,” Meghan McCarthy ’25 said. 

The Bulldogs improved notably in this area, as last week 28 of their 44 shots were on goal, and this week 26-of-33 hit the target. Boasting an impressive 48 percent shot-to-goal conversion rate, it seems like Yale achieved its objective of shooting with greater efficiency.

The Blue and White also showed off their grit when they earned 13 free position shots, only giving up three to the Danes. Olivia Markert ’22 scored on a free position shot in the last two minutes to increase the lead to two and put the nail in the coffin for Albany’s chances. One of Yale’s goals for the week was to play with more composure, and the retention of their slight lead deep in the fourth quarter is evidence towards their success.

“This week had a big situational focus — handling the game with composure no matter the time and score,” Chloe Conaghan ’24 said. 

Markert and Fallon Vaughn ’25 each scored four goals on Saturday evening. The rookie standout is now the team’s goal leader with eight points over two games — seven goals and an assist.

On the defensive end, Yale managed to hold Albany’s two main scorers, senior Hailey Carroll and sophomore Katie Pascale, to three and zero goals, respectively. The Bulldogs gave up 27 shots, with 21 of them being on goal. Goalkeeper Cami Donadio ’25 made seven saves. 

The women’s lacrosse team’s next game will be against Quinnipiac University at Reese Stadium at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1.