Massachusetts Minutewomen to Face Duquesne in Lacrosse Showdown
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Amherst, Mass. – The massachusetts Minutewomen are gearing up for a home lacrosse game against Duquesne on Saturday, March 15, at 12 p.m. The contest, taking place in Amherst, promises to be a thrilling event as the Minutewomen seek to prolong their notable streak.Fans can catch the action on ESPN+, with live updates available on umassathletics.com and UMassLacrosse on Twitter. This matchup marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams.
The Matchup: A Look at Past Encounters
Saturday’s game will be the 31st meeting between Massachusetts and Duquesne. The Minutewomen dominate the series with a 23-7 all-time record. The last time these teams clashed, Massachusetts emerged victorious.
“the Minutewomen faced Duquesne last season, claiming a 20-7 win on Saturday, april 6 in Pittsburgh, Pa.”
Team Reports
massachusetts also boasts an impressive winning streak in Atlantic 10 regular season matchups, having won 47 consecutive A-10 regular season matchups. Their last defeat came against VCU on Sunday,april 11 at Cary Street Field,where they fell 17-16 in overtime. This remarkable run underscores their consistent dominance within the conference.
Last Time Out: Dominance Over Rhode Island
The Minutewomen are coming off a commanding 18-8 victory against Rhode Island at Garber Field. This game marked the first matchup between the regional foes since 1982, adding a historical dimension to the contest. Several players delivered standout performances, highlighting the team’s depth and talent.
Kassidy Morris spearheaded the offensive effort, scoring five goals on nine shots.
“kassidy Morris onc again led the way offensively scoring five goals on nine shots,”
Team Reports
Tessa Shields also made a significant impact, recording her fifth multi-goal game with four goals and two assists. Shields also contributed defensively with three ground balls.Ava Connaughton had a career-high performance, pacing the Minutewomen with seven points, including four goals and three assists. Connaughton also contributed three ground balls and three caused turnovers.
At a Glance: Minutewomen’s Lacrosse Prowess
The Massachusetts women’s lacrosse program enters 2025 riding high off its 15th straight Atlantic 10 regular season title. The team’s consistent success is a testament to its strong leadership and talented roster. This sustained excellence has solidified their position as a powerhouse in collegiate lacrosse.
senior Jordan Dean is recognized as a top player,earning a spot on the Inside Lacrosse Division I Preseason First Team All-American list. Dean’s remarkable performance in the 2024 season saw her set an NCAA Division I single-season record for draw controls, breaking the previous mark of 221 and finishing with 261.Dean was named to the Atlantic 10 First-Team all-Conference squad after finishing with double-digit draw controls in 15-of-18 games, including a career-high 20 against VCU.
Kassidy Morris also earned Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference honors. Morris scored a team-leading 63 goals and added 16 assists last season.
“Kassidy Morris earned Atlantic 10 Preseason all-Conference after scoring a team-leading 63 goals while adding 16 assists to rank second on the team in points with 79 last season,”
Team Reports
Morris posted hat tricks in 14 games and scored seven goals in back-to-back wins over VCU and UConn. The Minutewomen’s roster blends experience and fresh talent, with 23 returning players and 12 newcomers, including nine freshmen and three transfers. This mix ensures a dynamic and competitive environment within the team.
On the Sideline: Coaching Staff
Head Coach Jana Drummond is in her third season at the helm of the Minutewomen,holding a career record of 33-11 (.750).Drummond has coached the Minutewomen to the Atlantic 10 regular Season Championship in all three seasons, coaching five major conference award winners. Her leadership has been instrumental in the team’s continued success.
Assistant lia Laprise enters her second season in Amherst, coming to UMass after a standout career at UConn, where she finished her career as the program’s all-time leader in points and assists. Assistant Avergy Giorgio begins her tenure with the Minutewomen after two stints as an assistant women’s lacrosse coach at Trinity College. Giorgio brings immense experience to the Massachusetts program.
Program alum Kendra Harbinger returns as Director of Player Development after playing her graduate season with the Minutewomen in 2022. Harbinger earned IWLCA Second-Team All-Region and second-team all-league honors in 2022 after leading Mass in points with 62 and goals with 49.Her return adds a valuable perspective to the coaching staff.
Up Next: Road Game Against George Washington
Following the game against Duquesne, the Minutewomen will travel to Washington, D.C., to face George Washington on Saturday, March 22, at 12 p.m.The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and can be followed live on umassathletics.com and UMassLacrosse on Twitter.This road game will be another test for the Minutewomen as they continue their season.
Lacrosse powerhouse: UMass Minutewomen’s Dynasty in the Making?
Did you know that the UMass Minutewomen hold a remarkable 47-game winning streak in Atlantic 10 regular season lacrosse matchups? This interview delves into the team’s sustained success,their upcoming showdown wiht Duquesne,and the factors contributing to their dominance.
interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned sports analyst specializing in women’s collegiate lacrosse, welcome to world-today-news.com. The UMass Minutewomen are on an impressive run. What are the key ingredients behind their consistent success in women’s collegiate lacrosse?
Dr.Carter: Thank you for having me.The UMass Minutewomen’s sustained excellence isn’t just luck; it’s a carefully orchestrated blend of several crucial factors. Strong leadership, both on and off the field, is paramount. coach Drummond’s strategic vision and ability to cultivate a winning culture are undeniable assets. Beyond that, they have a remarkable recruiting strategy that consistently brings in talented players, a well-structured training program focused on skill growth and physical conditioning, and a supportive team environment that fosters camaraderie and mutual respect. It’s a holistic approach that builds success year after year.
Interviewer: The upcoming game against Duquesne is generating considerable buzz. Given the Minutewomen’s past dominance in this matchup (23-7 all-time record), what challenges might they face, and how do you anticipate the game unfolding?
Dr. Carter: While the historical record clearly favors Massachusetts, expecting an easy win would be a mistake. Duquesne, despite their record against UMass, presents specific challenges. Importantly, analyzing recent game performances reveals a Duquesne team showing improvements in several key areas. They’ll likely focus on disrupting the Minutewomen’s strong draw control, aiming to limit UMass’s possession time. Ultimately, the key will be dictating the tempo and style on the field. The Minutewomen might not always dominate as vastly as the past records suggest; rather, it’ll be a test of their adaptability and ability to overcome tactical adjustments. I anticipate a closer game than some might predict, but the Minutewomen’s experience and overall depth should be enough to secure a win.
Interviewer: The article highlights several standout players, including Kassidy Morris and Jordan Dean. Can you elaborate on their contributions and impact on the team’s overall performance? What makes them such crucial components of the team?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Kassidy Morris is a prolific goal scorer, showcasing exceptional shooting accuracy. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net under pressure is invaluable.Analyzing her play, it becomes apparent that her exceptional shot positioning and agility are hard to defend and contribute to considerable scoring strength—critical for winning close games.Jordan Dean’s dominance in draw controls is equally meaningful. control of the draw is fundamental in women’s lacrosse, and her record-breaking performance illustrates her athleticism and skill. Through securing possession, she directly impacts the team’s offensive opportunities in a high-impact manner.These two players are not simply top scorers; their roles are integral to the overall success of the team’s strategies and game flow.
Interviewer: The Minutewomen’s coach, Jana Drummond, boasts an impressive winning record. What is her coaching philosophy, and how does it translate to the team’s success?
Dr. Carter: Coach Drummond’s success stems from a multifaceted approach. She fosters a player-centric atmosphere, empowering each player to contribute her unique skills and strengths to the team strategy. She also stresses mental toughness and teaches her players to compete with both skill and determination. While a winning record is clearly a sign of good coaching, her emphasis on player development and team cohesion may be even more influential to their lasting success. This has created a strong foundation for years of continued excellence.
Interviewer: Looking beyond the Duquesne game,what are the biggest challenges and opportunities the minutewomen will face in the remainder of their season?
Dr. Carter: maintaining consistency throughout a long season is a major challenge for any team. Preventing injuries and managing player fatigue will be crucial. The competition level in collegiate women’s lacrosse is continually rising. They’ll face tough opponents, and adapting to different playing styles will be key. The possibility lies in solidifying their dominance within the Atlantic 10 and making a strong run in the postseason. This requires both continued skill enhancement and maintaining the high intensity and determination they have continually proven capable of.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to aspiring women’s lacrosse players hoping to reach a similar level of success as the UMass Minutewomen?
Dr. Carter: My advice is threefold: First, develop a strong foundation in lacrosse skills, including stick work, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques.Second, cultivate mental resilience and learn how to effectively cope with pressure. And third, embrace teamwork and collaboration; remember that individual performance is enhanced by a seamless team performance. Following this will increase their chances of success at any level.
Interviewer: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing these insights. This has been incredibly informative.
Concluding Thought: The umass Minutewomen’s success is a testament to years of dedicated work by players, coaches, and staff.Their upcoming games will be captivating to watch, showcasing the team’s depth and ability to handle pressure. What are your thoughts? Share in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #UMassLacrosse!