Women's Lacrosse Falls in Conference Opener

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Molly Collins scored four goals, all in the first half, and had one assist in leading No. 15 Boston University to a 15-2 victory over UAlbany in the Great Danes’ America East Conference opener on Saturday, March 22 at John Fallon Field.

Collins, a senior midfielder, scored the contest’s opening goal on a shot from left of the cage and later converted a free-position opportunity for a 3-0 lead with 18:42 remaining in the first half. Collins staked her team to a 7-0 halftime lead with back-to-back goals. She sent a blast high into the net after cutting in front of the crease and then added her fourth of the game after gathering in Erica Baumgartner’s pass from over top of the cage.

Sarah Dalton, who also totaled four goals and one assist, went to work in the final half. The All-America midfielder scored three times in the period, including consecutive goals for a 12-1 advantage with 24:20 to play. Xan Weitzel, who handed out four assists, fed Dalton on cut to the crease for her 21st of the season.

Boston U. (6-2, AE 2-0) limited the Great Danes to 13 shots, while goalkeeper Rachel Klein made 10 saves. Steph Walker had three goals and one assist and Traci Landy scored twice. The Terriers, who are also ranked 16th nationally by Inside Lacrosse, are favored to win the America East title and make their fourth consecutive NCAA appearance.

Kayla Best and Jane Bush tallied second-half goals for UAlbany (5-3, AE 0-1). The Great Danes, who had matched their best start as a Division I program, have dropped all nine meetings in this series, including a pair of postseason contests.