AMHERST, Mass. – Top seeded Massachusetts (16-2) compiled a consistent effort throughout the squad's opening bout within the Atlantic 10 Women's Lacrosse Championship, holding off a late rally from No. 4 Davidson (13-5) en route to a final 11-8 semifinals victory early Friday afternoon at Garber Field.
With the win, the Minutewomen progress to the A-10 Women's Lacrosse Championship Final, hosting the winner between the second semifinal between No. 2 overall Richmond and third-seeded Saint Joseph's at noon ET on Sunday, May 1. The contest will be broadcast live via ESPN+.
UMass took control throughout a competitive first half, initially falling behind by a 1-0 mark before rattling off six consecutive goals over the next 15 minutes of play. The Wildcats refused to go quietly, however, as Davidson pulled back within three near the close of both the second and fourth quarters.
Individually, A-10 All-Conference first team selection Kendra Harbinger shouldered the load for the Minutewomen, registering four total goals on the day with three coming before the midway break. The graduate student also served as one of the team's leaders in ground balls, scooping four on the day while also adding one assist and one caused turnover.
Junior Hannah Heller led the way defensively with six ground balls scooped and three caused turnovers.
For Davidson, Julianne Carey once again compiled a strong performance, slinging in a hat trick for the 'Cats while both Lauren Arkell and Grace Fahey tacked on two apiece. Notably, A-10 All-Conference first-teamer Amanada Monahan proved a force in the cage for the Wildcats, grabbing a career-high 19 saves while surrendering all 11 goals.
Statistically, the primary separation between Massachusetts and Davidson proved to be total shots, as the Minutewomen put 37 in play while the 'Cats only managed 18 for the match. Davidson also turned the ball over at a much more consistent rate, giving up 18 as compared to UMass' 9 over the course of the day.