After four losses away from home to start the season, the Winthrop women’s lacrosse team returned to Rock Hill to earn its first win of the season.
“I’m really excited for the team,” Winthrop head coach Kara Concheck said following her team’s victory over Youngstown State on March 8.
“They’ve been working really, really hard. They continue to improve, and so I’m just really proud of them earning their first team win.”
Outscoring the Penguins 18-14, the Eagles not only earned their first win of the season but also Conchecks’ first since assuming the head coaching position in mid-January. However, Concheck wanted to be sure the focus remained on the team.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the team, and that’s how it always will be,” she said.
Winthrop’s 18 goals were the most the Eagles have scored this season.
“I think we really did a great job possessing the ball, and that can be reflected upon the fact that we put 18 goals in the back of the net. We did much better on the draws today and really controlling the tempo of the game in that regard,” Concheck said.
Pacing Winthrop’s scoring was redshirt sophomore Alyssa Angelo, who recorded the first two goals of the match and ended with five total — four of which were unassisted.
“Alyssa is one of the most intense competitors on the field,” Concheck said. “She spreads just fire and passion among the team, and really, not only builds confidence in her teammates, but she just sets the standard.
“She is a really, really tough player to guard, and so she’ll continue to probably have a target on her back, but she’s aware of that, and she’s willing to exceed expectations that are set.”
Angelo’s five goals versus Youngstown State were one shy of her season-high six scored in Winthrop’s 15-13 loss at Stetson on Feb. 27.
As of March 8 following Winthrop’s win over Youngstown State, Angelo ranked top-100 in the country in total goals scored this season (15) and top-50 in goals scored per game (3.00).
Winthrop’s Ellie Dutton scored four goals of her own against the Penguins, along with three from Savanah Paton and three from Molly Dankowski. Krystal Beebe, Grayson McKenzie and Claire Witmer also recorded goals.
“We always want to share the wealth offensively,” said Concheck. “We graduated a lot of our offense last season, and so coming in just a little over a month ago, I’m really trying to make sure that we’re growing all over the field, gaining some confidence, and again, sharing the wealth.
“We want assisted goals. We really want to highlight each player’s strengths, so that’s something we’ll continue to do in each game and how we prepare.”
