After several COVID-19 cases caused the lacrosse team to go on pause on March 9, the team returned to scheduled play and has won two of its last three games.
“Coming back after that pause, we only had two practices and then had a game against a really tough Furman opponent. We were flat. It was hard, very hard.” said Julika Blankenship, head coach of the Winthrop lacrosse team.
Although the team started off with a loss, they were able to turn it around first with a commanding 17-10 win against Gardner-Webb University.
“I think after the Furman game, there was a lot of reflecting and realizing that we have a tough stretch ahead that has to be our best stretch in terms of conference play and that we can’t take things for granted because you never know when things can be taken from you,” Blankenship said.
Blankenship said that the team was able to take advantage of some of the defensive sets that Gardner-Webb plays in to secure the victory.
“They fight hard, and they really work for each other. I think that talent–wise our team has more talent and skill, but in a game like lacrosse that can be a game of runs and is very fast–paced, we came out ready to play. The defensive set that they play in, our offense had a day with it and really enjoys playing against that kind of defense.”
Following the game against Gardner-Webb, the team headed to Georgia to play against Kennesaw State, where they came out victorious with a score of 9-8.
“The turnaround being less than a day was tough in terms of rest and bodies was tough for us. It’s hard. It’s a lot of running; it’s tough for these athletes, so that was a tough turnaround,” Blankenship said.
“We did a lot of awesome things, but we struggled in a lot of things like our transition game or some of our decision–making. The end of the game was a tough stretch, and we put ourselves in a tough spot towards the end, but lo and behold, we made some really good decisions towards the end of the game and had some huge defensive stops and saves that really were the reason we pulled off that win.”
As the lacrosse team continues the season, Blankenship said that their ultimate goal, as always, is to win the conference.
“Our goal is always to win the conference, which I think is attainable. I think for me right now, hosting postseason play would be huge right now. After our Furman game, I kind of realized that this could be a huge turning point in our season. This is the time to fall into our stride.” Blankenship said.
After a close 8-5 loss to Campbell this past Saturday, the Eagles are set for a three-game road trip, with contests against Radford on April 7, High Point on April 10 and Presbyterian on April 14.
