Pitarresi: Great run ends for Hamilton

Hamilton College’s women’s lacrosse team lost to Franklin & Marshall in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III tournament today.

 

The defending champion Continentals jumped out to a 4-1 lead, then gave up eight straight goals. They trailed 12-6 at the half and 15-9 late in the game before a furious rally had them threatening the second-ranked Diplomats until the final seconds.

 

So, the Continentals didn’t repeat, but they had another great run, going 16-3 and making their third straight NCAA tourney.

 

And it's been a great ride for seniors Kaillie Briscoe – Hamilton’s all-time leading scorer – Kate Marek, Catie Gibbons, Liz Benjamin and Allie Shpall, who have been key building blocks in a program that has made a name for itself in the world of women's lacrosse. That quintet had a 65-12 record during their careers and  helped establish the Continentals as one of the powers in the small college game.

 

So, loss or not, congratulations to coach Patty Kloidt, her players, and especially those seniors.