Penn women's lacrosse kicks off Ivy play with road victory over Yale

A good start to Ivy League competition is always important. 

Facing their first Ivy League competition of the season, Penn women's lacrosse came out victorious against Yale, 11-5, extending their win streak over the Bulldogs to 21 games. 

The Quakers (4-0, 1-0 Ivy), who are now ranked No. 13 in the country, are off to their third straight 4-0 start to the season. Penn was in control of Yale (2-2, 0-1 Ivy) for most of the afternoon, outscoring the Bulldogs 5-3 in the first half and 6-2 in the second. 

After almost five scoreless minutes to start the contest, the Red and Blue took the lead from the free position through senior midfielder Erin Barry. Five minutes later, freshman midfielder Caitlin Cook and junior attacker Zoe Belodeau scored in quick succession, giving the Quakers a 3-0 lead. With 17:51 left in the first half, the Bulldogs got one back on a man-up opportunity before Quakers midfielder Michaela McMahon scored from a free-position opportunity to make it 4-1 Penn. 

Yale soon made it 4-2 on an unassisted goal from Anna Vetsch, but McMahon snuck one into the top right corner of the goal to extend Penn's lead back to three. 

In the second half of play, neither team found much rhythm offensively in the first seven minutes. Then, the Quakers rattled off four unanswered goals in just over five minutes as Barry chipped in two. Freshman Kennon Moon recorded her first career goal. 

“The freshmen played really well. I think they combined for three goals, which is a good sign for the future. Chelsea Kibler also got six draw controls which was important in staying on top throughout the game,” coach Karin Corbett said. 

Penn and Yale scored two more each in the final 15 minutes of action, but the Quakers were able to comfortably hang on for the victory. 

“I thought the defense really came together and limited Yale’s opportunities to score. The goalkeepers both had really good halves with 18 saves between them,” Corbett said. "It's really encouraging to see a great performance against a conference opponent this early in the season."

Barry was a huge factor in the Quakers' success. She had three goals, increasing her goal tally to 12 on the season. 

“In the last game I struggled with my shooting, so it was all about settling down and having the confidence in my ability,” said Barry. "I am really happy we were able to put everything together."

Her performance was especially special considering it was the Quakers’ first Ivy game of the season.

“Any Ivy games we play are different, and we want to be outright Ivy Champions," Barry said. "This was our first win in the Ivy League and I think it’s great for the team going forward.”

The Red and Blue will look to build on this victory as they welcome Loyola-Maryland to Franklin Field next weekend.