The Quinnipiac University women’s lacrosse team battled through the rain, snow and hail in a gritty 15-11 victory Saturday over UMass-Lowell. 

“This team is amazing with (the) weather,” head coach Tanya Kotowicz said. “We have a dance in the rain kind of mentality.” 

The Bobcats entered the game Saturday with a 3-2 record, losing their last game to Bryant after surrendering 19 goals, by far the most goals that their defense has yet to allow this season.

Quinnipiac struck first in the match after a shot from senior midfielder Maddie Deegan bounced past UMass-Lowell’s goalkeeper, Alex Salim, and into the net. 

For the River Hawks, Jade Catlin scored her first of four goals, evening the game back at one goal apiece. However, Quinnipiac scored twice more in the first quarter. Desiree Kleberg and Sydney Skalstad found opportunities to score, capitalizing once each. At the end of the quarter, the Bobcats led 3-1. 

UMass-Lowell employed three different goalkeepers during the game in an attempt to slow down the Quinnipiac offense. 

With 10 minutes to play in the first half, the River Hawks substituted in their second goalie of the game, Jillian Schumacher. The two teams played until the very end, trading goal after goal, until finally, Quinnipiac’s Ellagrace Delmond beat the clock, scoring her first goal of the game just as time expired in the half. Her goal brought the Bobcats’ total to six, with UMass-Lowell closely trailing with four.

It did not stay close for long, as the Bobcats came into the second half red hot. Sophomore Maddie Noel started the scoring early, contributing her first goal of the game. Through 15 minutes, the Bobcats tallied six goals, including three from Delmond alone. Skalstad completed her hat-trick, scoring her third, bringing Quinnipiac’s total to 12. For the River Hawks, they managed three more goals in the quarter, trailing 12-7 at its end.

In the fourth and final period of play, Quinnipiac looked to put UMass-Lowell away for good. The River Hawks attempted one final goalie change, bringing freshman Kendall Whalen into the game, but it ultimately proved no match for the Bobcats offense. 

Both teams combined for seven goals in the final quarter, showing no signs of tiring or slowing down, despite the day’s unfortunate weather. Delmond scored her fifth, Skalstad scored her fourth and Kleberg scored her second. The Bobcats hung on to win the game by a final score of 15-11. 

Unlike UMass-Lowell, Quinnipiac stuck to one goalie in net all game, and it proved to be a successful endeavor. Reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week Kat Henselder held it down for the Bobcats, tallying six crucial saves throughout the game. 

Henselder had struggled mightily in the team’s last game, but was praised Saturday for her resilience. 

“She rebounds,” Kotowicz said. “As long (as) we’re moving forward in the right direction… that’s all I ask.” 

Delmond led the Bobcats in scoring for the second time this week. Despite being just a first-year, she attributes her early collegiate success to a supportive environment created by her teammates. 

“I play for my team every time,” Delmond said. “Everyone gets so pumped up for the games, so it helps me get pumped up for myself.”

Quinnipiac will travel to New York next week to take on Binghamton at 1 p.m. in its second-to-last non-conference game before beginning MAAC play on March 26.