Spiders fall to Davidson College for the first time since 2016

The University of Richmond women’s lacrosse team lost 14-11 to Davidson College on March 12, falling to 3-5 for the season. 

This loss marks the second time the Spiders have fallen to a team they have historically beat following a defeat against Liberty University on Feb. 22. Before this contest, Richmond had beat the Wildcats in eight straight games, five of which were won by more than seven points. This defeat dropped the Spiders’ record against Davidson to 10-3. 

"Credit to Davidson for coming out with a strong game plan and being ready to compete from the first whistle," Head Coach Anne Harrington said in a postgame interview with Richmond Athletics. 

The Spiders fought to catch up with the Wildcats after a lethargic first quarter, but fell short in another tough loss. Richmond out-performed Davidson in shots on goal and draw controls, though the Spiders struggled to defend the cage, recording zero saves while the Wildcats recorded six. 

Davidson opened up scoring with three goals in two minutes. During the run, Richmond tallied zero draw controls or shots, stumbling against the Wildcats. The two teams swapped shots before the Spiders finally found the back of the cage with just under nine minutes on the clock. The Wildcats continued to lead the Spiders, outscoring them 3-1, bringing the score to 6-2 at the buzzer. 

The second quarter opened with two Davidson goals. However, Richmond kicked into gear and managed a 5-0 run sparked by junior attacker Juliana Stanley. The Spiders controlled the field for the rest of the half, holding the Wildcats shotless during the run. Despite Davidson’s offensive struggles, it recorded five saves, bringing the score to 8-7 with the Spiders trailing at the break. 

"I'm proud of our team for staying in the fight and making it a game after going down early,” Harrington said. “That takes guts and that fight will help us find success in the second half of our season. We learn from every game and this one is no exception.”

Richmond and Davidson settled into the game, matching each other in shots on goal and draw controls, and nearly evening out on saves and clears. For the first time in the contest, the two teams established back-and-forth play, the Spiders still behind by one with three minutes remaining. Richmond took advantage of a free position shot, tying the game for the first time. 

A scoring drought incited for the first five minutes of the final quarter before the Wildcats and Spiders swapped goals. Davidson regained its footing, netting three more goals while holding Richmond to one shot for the remainder of the game. The Spiders couldn’t find opportunities to score, but picked up three fouls and two green cards. The Wildcats emerged victorious, the score 14-11 at the end of the game. 

Sophomore midfielder Bridget Lonsinger led the team with four points on two goals and two assists while senior attacker Colleen Quinn and Stanley followed with hat tricks, netting three goals each. 

The Spiders will seek to improve their 1-1 conference record on March 15 when they face La Salle University at 3:30 p.m. 

 “We move forward by taking ownership over our own misplays and lapses while also learning from areas that Davidson exposed,” Harrington said. “We will continue to get better and trust our process this season."

Richmond has never lost to the Explorers, recording 21 victories since 2002. The last time the two teams faced each other, the Spiders managed a definitive 17-5 win. 

Contact sports editor Abigail Finney at abigail.finney@richmond.edu.