The Hamilton women’s lacrosse team got its season off to a terrific start, taking down nationally-ranked #19 Amherst in a 7–5 win at home on Steuben Field this past weekend. Though the final winning margin was tight, the team led wire-to-wire, leaving no doubt and asserting themselves as a team sure to be in the national conversation for women’s lacrosse. One of the keys behind the win was the performance of senior captain Eva Abel ’22. Her three goals all came in the second half, securing the win and staking her claim as a potential top scoring threat within the NESCAC.
The Spectator
sat down with Abel after the win to discuss the team’s performance and their hopes for the season as they take their 1–0 record into NESCAC play after the strong opening weekend.
How does it feel to start the season with a huge home NESCAC win over a ranked Amherst team?
It feels awesome. Coming out that strong in our first game, in what the score might not show as a dominating win, is huge for a NESCAC battle.
What were some of the keys to earning the win this weekend?
Our defense definitely won the game for us on Saturday. Holding Amherst to only five goals by causing turnovers, forcing bad shots and playing solid defense got us fired up on attack and let us pull ahead for the win.
How have you and your fellow teammates helped prepare this year’s team for the start of the season? How has the team come together over the fall and through preseason?
On top of all of the conditioning, lifting and practicing, we have been working hard to train our minds to be ready to win big this season. Our motto this year is “why not us,” and we are ready to put the NESCAC and the NCAA on alert. We aren’t going to let ourselves play scared against the NESCAC “powerhouses” who are favored to win, because why not us?
You have another tough test this weekend heading to Maine to face Bowdoin. What are your hopes for the trip?
Playing away after two home games will be a test of our ability to bring our energy with us 400 miles away. I know we’ll rise to the challenge and show Bowdoin what we’re made of.
What is this team capable of accomplishing this year? What goals are in reach?
Right now, we’re just taking it one game at a time. That being said, we want to win game after game so we have the opportunity to compete in the NESCAC championship and get an NCAA bid.
Lightning Round
Go-to gameday meal?
Carbs and H2O.
Song/artist on your personal pregame playlist?
Whatever’s blasting in the locker room (“Outta Your Mind” by Lil Jon and LMFAO)
Teammate with a secret talent?
Emmy Goodwin ’22’s not-so-secret Shakira impression
Favorite athletic memory from Hamilton?
Our overtime win against Trinity last season
