University of Louisville
Old Dominion
Women's Lacrosse Drops Decision at Old Dominion
February 26, 2012 | Women's Lacrosse
Feb. 26, 2012
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Despite a five-goal performance from Nikki Boltja, the University of Louisville women's lacrosse team dropped a 14-12 decision at Old Dominion on Sunday at Powhatan Sports Complex in Norfolk, Va.
Boltja paced the Cardinals (1-2) in the first half, scoring four of her five goals to guide Louisville to an 8-7 lead. Her first score was sandwiched between two Old Dominion goals, but tallies by Jamie Redding, Colleen O'Malley and Casey Pepperman lifted Louisville to a 4-2 advantage.
Old Dominion (1-0) remained within striking distance, though, never letting the Cardinals' lead grow to more than two goals thanks in large part to Lisa Bernanadini, who found the back of the net three times during the first period. Despite two more Louisville goals, ODU's Rebecca Hartrum scored with one second remaining to keep the deficit at one.
Sarah Wright's consecutive goals within the first minute of the second period gave Old Dominion a 9-8 advantage.
Twice the Cardinals appeared as though they were going to orchestrate a comeback, but Louisville scores were met with a response from Old Dominion.
Bushway registered her second goal of the game at the 28:20 mark to tie the game at nine apiece, but ODU rallied for three-straight scores to put the game at 12-9. Redding and Boltja each recorded goals to keep Louisville within reach (12-11). However, Old Dominion was able to fight off the comeback even with a late Louisville goal at the 1:54 mark for the win.
Freshman Cat Gordon had another strong showing for Louisville, as she won six draw controls to bump her to 11 for the season. O'Malley had a team-best three ground balls and was one of eight players to cause a turnover.
The Cardinals return to action on Friday, March 2, with their home opener against Denver. First draw is set for 2 p.m. at the U of L Lacrosse Stadium.
