Garrett Collins
The Plattsburgh Women’s lacrosse team was looking to end their rather disappointing season on a high note with a three game winning streak against number 18 SUNY Cortland April 26. Last time they played the Red Dragons April 10, the Cards could not handle the scoring output — 5 to nothing within 5 minutes of the first half of the game. The defensive prowess of the Red Dragons continued into the second half, allowing only one goal to the Cardinals. The Red Dragons won that game 22-5.
April 26 was the last time the Cardinals took the field this season, while the Red Dragons’ season extends past this game and into the postseason, facing Geneseo in the SUNYAC semi-finals April 29.
The Cardinals started the game out with two solid possessions, and yet to achieve a goal. Attempting two shots to no avail. The rest of the plays were spent on Cortland’s offence.
PSU’s head was not in the game. When the Cardinals were on the defensive side, Plattsburgh couldn’t get out of their own way on clears, throwing turnover after turnover, not giving attack or midfield any opportunity to find an offensive rhythm. When the Cardinals were able to clear the ball and set up an offence, Cortland’s ability to double their speed on defensive slides confused the already sputtering Cardinal offence. The offence stood and watched while each of the players took turns facing off against their defender. For a majority of the possessions,The Cardinals were failing to play as a team and creating easy turnovers for the defense.
On top of the stifling defense by the Red Dragons, the offensive turnovers and neutral zone turnovers did not help. Even though in the first half Cortland was able to secure a 7-0 lead, the team had the upper hand for more.
Cortland blew opportunities at the crease, capitalizing on the poor and slow defensive slides from the Plattsburgh defense being no match for the speed and athleticism of the Cortland offence. The second half of the game was the same. The Cardinals were still slow on their slides and couldn’t stop the bleeding from the front of the crease.
On offense, they seemed to find a bit more cohesion, finding the back of the net twice. The Cardinals had some opportunities from cutting midfielders, but failed to convert on the one timers. They also cleaned up their clears in the second half, going 6-6 compared to their 9-15 first half.
Cortland’s season continued April 28 when they faced Geneseo in the SUNYAC semi-finals. As for Plattsburgh, their season ends in a disappointing fashion, finishing 2-6 and outside for the postseason. Hopefully they can re-group in the off-season and have a turnaround year in spring 2022.
