Larkin’s eight points lead Mids to rout
Navy coasts in first home women’s lacrosse game vs. Army
Navy had an eight-year head start on Army West Point with regard to fielding a varsity women’s lacrosse program. If Saturday’s second meeting between the schools was any indication, the Black Knights still have a lot of catching up to do.
Freshman attacker Kelly Larkin scored three goals and added five assists as Navy dominated every aspect of the game in routing Army, 22-7, before a raucous crowd of 1,862 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Junior midfielder Jenna Collins totaled four goals and three assists for the Midshipmen, who totally controlled possession and outshot the Black Knights, 37-13. Junior attacker Julia Collins matched her twin sister with four goals and also had an assist.
“We got everyone involved and everything just clicked today. We had some great cutting, great movement,” Jenna Collins said. “I think most of our goals today were assisted and that shows that everyone is connecting.”
Senior attacker Morgan Young also had a huge game with four goals and three assists for Navy (8-3, 3-1 Patriot League), which won the ground-ball battle, 18-8, and forced 15 turnovers.
“Draw-wise, we knew it would come down to just scrapping. If we weren’t going to win the draw, we were going to defend hard and get the ball back,” Navy coach Cindy Timchal said.
Junior attacker Amy Johnston scored three goals while junior midfielder Rachel Hornick had two goals and an assist to lead Army (4-8, 0-4), which remained winless against Patriot League competition during its two-year existence.
“Today, the more talented team won the game. We have a lot of work to do and I hope this fuels the fire for the next time we see Navy. Definitely a feeling to remember,” said Army coach Kristen (Waagbo) Skiera, a Mount Hebron graduate.
A large contingent of midshipmen showed up to support the home team in the first Army-Navy women’s lacrosse game held in Annapolis. A good number of cadets made the trip from West Point to cheer for the visitors. It was one of the largest, rowdiest home audiences in the 10-year history of Navy women’s lacrosse.
“Having all these midshipmen and cadets come out and cheer both teams on is really neat to see,” Timchal said. “It’s a testament to the atmosphere you can have for a women’s sport when you have Army versus Navy.
“I don’t think we truly realized the impact of this game until we looked up in the stands and saw all those people. I’m just so proud of the performance of Navy women’s lacrosse and so impressed with the turnout for this game.” Army 4 3 Navy 10 12 Goals: A – Johnston 3, Cortes 2, Hornick 2; N—Jenna Collins 4, Julia Collins 4, Young 4, Larkin 3, O’Donnell 2, O’Sullivan 2, Harris, Heyward, Probst. Assists: A—Hornick, Jollota, Roper, Stewart; N – Larkin 5, Jenna Collins 3, Young 3, Julia Collins, Harris, O’Donnell, O’Sullivan. Saves: A—Rowley 5, Burns 0; N—Boyum 4, Harchelroad 0.