Rowan women’s lacrosse is hot right now. How hot? On Tuesday, March 11, they dominated Kenyon University by a score of 14-3 to move to 5-0, marking the first time in program history the team rattled off five straight to open the year.

“Our leadership is outstanding,” head coach Lindsay Delaney said. “We’re a veteran team from last year. They lost a lot last year… so we learned a lot of lessons last year, and they’re more mature, more responsible. They’ve always been talented, there’s just more gamesmanship now.”

The Profs pounced on the Owls early, as Elaina Corson and Calista Burke combined to score four goals in the first quarter to give Rowan an early 4-1 lead. Corson tallied three in the frame and six overall to give her the team lead in goals with 21. Through five games, Corson has upped her offensive production compared to a year prior, averaging a goal and assist more per game, and the team is reaping the benefits.

“I definitely worked in the offseason, but just gathering more confidence over the years is something that comes natural,” Corson said.

The second and third quarter was all Rowan, as the Profs outscored the Owls 10-0 in the two frames. Throughout the whole game, the Profs took advantage of the poor transition defense from the Owls, as they could rarely stop Rowan’s clear attempts. Whether it was Hannah Lombardo, Molly Green, or Burke, the Profs were able to run or spin by the Owl defenders, leading to opportunities around the goal.

“We were moving the ball really well and our transition was good,” Burke said. “[Kenyon] wasn’t really able to get out and we were just playing a ton of offense. We just had way more possession than they did.”

As Burke alluded to, the Profs dominated the time of possession, and it was apparent in the shot differential. Kenyon tallied just nine shots, while Rowan peppered goalie Nora Garand with 40 shots, 30 of which were on net. As a result, five different Profs found the back of the goal.

“We have so many weapons offensively that I don’t know who’s going to score the most goals per game,” Delaney said. “Our offense is so dynamic. They all can score so [the mentality has to be] if it’s not me, it has to be you, and that’s okay. We have to be able to do that to get through our schedule.”

Whenever Kenyon had a good look, which wasn’t often, sophomore Kylie Durboraw, who was making her first career start in goal, made the stop. She finished with four saves against seven shots on goal in the absence of goalie Mel Rodgers.

“I think she did exactly what she needed to do,” Delaney said. “She stepped up and did what she’s supposed to do, and she had an outstanding game. A lot of good saves.”

Rowan hasn’t won the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship since 2010, meanwhile, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has rattled off 14 straight conference titles since then, with seven of those wins coming against the Profs. But now, with both teams undefeated, the Profs believe their time is now.

“They know it’s time, it’s been time,” Delaney said. “We underachieved last year, and they’re tired of the narrative. They’re tired of the other schools and other sports getting notoriety, so I think they’re just ready.”

“We’re going to win the NJAC and make the NCAA tournament,” Burke added.

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