It was a game full of big runs. Denison opened the contest on a four-goal run and Notre Dame closed the game on a four-goal run. Unfortunately for the Big Red, when the final horn sounded it was Notre Dame College who came away with a 19-16 victory over Denison on Thursday night from Deeds Field-Piper Stadium in Granville.
After Denison jumped out to a 4-0 lead thanks to a pair of goals by Carly Tschantz (Omaha, Neb./New Trier) and Lisa Feroli (Baltimore, Md./McDonogh) Notre Dame took control by winning nine consecutive draws resulting in a 10-0 run by the Falcons over a span of just nine minutes. Almost as quick as DU found themselves out in front, they now trailed by six with 11 minutes to play in the first half.
Denison would regroup to score five of the next seven goals to close out the first half, trailing 12-9. In that first half of play Notre Dame won 12 of the 22 draws and edged the Big Red in shots 20-18. Fouls played a major role in the contest as Notre Dame was flagged 24 times in the first half. Eight of those fouls resulted in 8-meter attempts for DU where Alex Thurner (Cincinnati, Ohio/Summit Country Day) converted two of the team's four free position goals.
In the second half, Denison's hot streak continued as Phoebe Myhrum (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shady Side Academy) scored two quick 8-meter goals to get Denison within one at 12-11. With 26:39 left Denison tied the game when Myhrum hit Molly Sbrega (Portland, Maine/Deering) on her first goal of the night. The duo would hook up again nine minutes later to put DU in front 13-12. That run would continue after winning the ensuing draw when Lulu Carter (Greenwich, Conn./The Millbrook School) found Myhrum for her third goal of the game.
With 17 minutes to play Notre Dame would break Denison's run of eight-straight goals when Jill Dixon scored to get the Falcons back to within one at 14-13. The two teams would trade the lead two more times until Notre Dame took control in the final six minutes of play. Katie Christensen tied the game at 16-16 with 5:51 to play and with 5:18 remaining Briana Chestnut notched the game-winner.
Overall, there were 39 fouls called on the Falcons and 16 on the Big Red. Denison ended the night 6-of-11 on eight-meter attempts while Notre Dame was 4-for-5. The Falcons held a 20-17 edge on the draws and finished with 23 ground balls to Denison's 16. The turnover advantage also went to Notre Dame as they committed 20 while Denison gave the ball away 23 times.
Denison goalies Hannah Minifie (Dalton, Mass./Miss Hall's School) and Grace Bodenmann (Pelham Manor, N.Y./Pelham Memorial) split time in goal. Minifie made seven saves while playing the first half. Bodenmann recorded two saves while playing the final 30 minutes. Notre Dame's Ally Phillips posted six saves for the Falcons.
Denison was led in scoring by Myhrum who posted four goals and three assists. Feroli scored three times and added one assist while Sbrega also posted her second career hat trick.
Denison will return to North Coast Athletic Conference play this Saturday (April 17) when they host Allegheny College at 11 a.m.
