UAlbany Lacrosse 's Kayla Best Scores Four Goals in 12-9 Non-League Win Against Colgate

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore Kayla Best tied a career-high with four goals, including three in the first half, in leading UAlbany to a 12-9 non-conference victory over Colgate on Tuesday, March 11 at John Fallon Field.

UAlbany (4-2) reversed an early 1-0 deficit with five consecutive goals over a four-plus minute span. Freshman Tee Ladouceur, who scored twice and had one assist, put her team ahead by cutting to the top of the crease and placing Jane Bush’s pass from behind into the net. Best tallied back-to-back goals 15 seconds apart. The all-conference midfielder sent a blast inside the left post while driving in the middle of the zone. After Ladouceur won the following draw control, Best went to the cage and sent a low shot past Colgate goalkeeper Sara Drexler. Jodi Battaglia capped that outburst by converting a free-position attempt.

Colgate (2-5) would later close to within 6-4 with 5:01 left in the opening half. Sophomore Brie Moran, who had three goals, including her 16th of the season, sent a free-position opportunity into the lower left corner. Colleen Bubnack then worked her way in from the right side and fired a low shot into the cage. Bubnack, a freshman midfielder, added three assists.

The Great Danes, who had dropped five of the previous six meetings in this regional series, netted a pair of goals before halftime. Battaglia scored on a give-and-go from Bush from in front of the crease. Best gave her team at an 8-4 cushion at the intermission by depositing a free-position shot into the left side with 2.7 seconds remaining.

The Raiders, who were coming off an 11-8 win over Patriot League opponent Holy Cross last Saturday, never got closer than three in the second half. Jess Van der Muelen recorded the second of her two goals with 3:03 to play. But Battaglia, a freshman midfielder, scored her third goal nearly two minutes later when she stripped Drexler trying to clear the ball and found an empty net.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we won,” stated UAlbany coach Lindsey Hart, whose team matched its best six-game record at the Division I level. “Our defensive made some good stops, and we won draw controls and pushed the fastbreak. (Jodi) Battaglia played well on both ends of the field.”

UAlbany’s Christine Grueniger had two goals, including her 12th of the year, while Bush posted a career-best assist total. Goalkeeper Katie Neer made eight saves.

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Colgate (2-5) 4 5 - 9

UAlbany (4-2) 8 4 - 12