March 27, 2008
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Yale defense faces one of its biggest challenges of the season Saturday as Harvard comes to Johnson Field (1:00 p.m., WYBC 1340 AM, GameTracker). The Crimson are averaging over 14 goals per game and are ranked 11th in the country in scoring offense. The Bulldogs are allowing just over seven goals per game.
Yale (6-3, 1-1 Ivy League) delivered its biggest offensive output of the season Wednesday, beating UConn 18-3. Ten different players scored, including the first career goals for sophomore attacker/midfielder Lindsey DeMarco (Marlboro, N.J.), freshman defender/midfielder Kaitlyn Flatley (Berwyn, Pa.) and freshman midfielder Ariana Papier (Rochester, N.Y.). Sophomore midfielder/attacker Sydney Schreppler (Wilmington, Del.) had her first career point.
Senior goalkeeper Ellen Cameron (Monkton, Md.) made nine saves against the Huskies and has stopped 18 of 29 shots (.621) that she has faced in the last two games. In addition to solid defense, the Bulldogs have also frustrated their recent opponents on clears. Yale's last two foes were just 14 for 30 (.467) on clears, while the Bulldogs were 28 for 31 (.903).
Yale is 17-17-1 all-time against Harvard, beating the Crimson 17-8 last year after having an 11-game winning streak in the series snapped in 2006. Cameron made 14 saves and senior midfielder Lauren Taylor (Manhasset, N.Y.) had six goals and two assists.
Harvard (7-1, 1-0 Ivy) has already surpassed its 2007 win total (five) under first-year head coach Lisa Miller. Attacker Kaitlin Martin leads the team with 25 goals, 13 assists and 38 points. Kathryn Tylander, who has six starts in goals, has a .529 save percentage and a 10.26 goals-against average. Katherine Martino, who made 14 saves last year against the Bulldogs, has made two starts and has a .470 save percentage and 10.53 goals-against average.
Saturday's festivities also include a post-game reception for all Yale women's lacrosse alumnae.