ALBANY — Prior to Sunday, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team had a 0-25 record against UAlbany. However, the disparity between the two teams had been gradually diminishing.
Now, the disparity is no more. Binghamton (12-6), the second-seeded team, made a remarkable comeback from a 5-0 deficit in the first quarter. They managed to keep the top-seeded Great Danes scoreless for over 20 minutes, securing a 12-11 victory in the America East tournament championship at John Fallon Field.
This was a repeat of last year’s America East final, where UAlbany emerged victorious with a 14-13 score. UAlbany (8-10) had also won this year’s regular-season game 15-13. This marked UAlbany’s 13th consecutive America East championship appearance, making Binghamton’s first win over the Great Danes and their first NCAA Tournament appearance all the more significant.
“One of my assistant coaches, Shannon Mackesey ’18, is an Albany grad and former player on this team,” said Binghamton head coach Stephanie Allen. “She candidly told the defensive players that it is expected for Albany to beat Binghamton, and that we needed to change that narrative today. Now on our staff, she proudly wears our green and shared with the team what the conversation would be like with Albany and what we needed to do to turn the tables.”
Initially, it seemed like UAlbany would not give Binghamton the opportunity to change the narrative. The Great Danes had one of their most offensively efficient quarters this season, leading 5-0 with 3 minutes left in the first quarter. However, after Olivia Muscolino scored for Binghamton, the tide began to turn as UAlbany started accumulating fouls.
UAlbany was penalized for 32 fouls compared to Binghamton’s 16. This included 12 in the second quarter, which allowed Binghamton to close the gap to 8-7 by halftime, thanks to two goals in the final 17.1 seconds.
“The [foul] differential definitely affected the game,” said UAlbany coach Katie Thomson. “They had half as many fouls. … It’s not what I observed, but that’s just how it goes, it’s out of our control.”
UAlbany was stuck on eight goals from 1:38 left in the second quarter to 11:35 of the fourth quarter. By that time, Binghamton had taken the lead with a score of 12-9.
“Lacrosse is a game of swings,” said UAlbany attack Ava Poupard. “We played well for the entire game, even if the outcome wasn’t what we wanted.”
UAlbany senior Megan Dineen scored her third goal with 10:20 left to make it 12-10. However, it was a while before either team scored again, thanks to impressive goaltending by both teams, particularly by the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Sofia Salgado of Binghamton.
“We knew we were a different team from when we first saw them, and we knew it was going to be a battle, but that we were going to come out on top,” Salgado said.
Bryar Hogg found Poupard for her third goal with 1:44 left to make it 12-11.
Binghamton won the ensuing draw control, but eventually turned the ball over, giving UAlbany the ball in its defensive end with 17 seconds left. Emma Torkoff split two defenders and eventually got the ball to Allie Maloney in front of the goal, but as she moved from left to right, had the ball checked out of her stick before she could shoot with 0.7 second left.
“We knew we just needed to collapse,” Salgado said. “We needed to watch their cuts, but we knew they weren’t going to cut — they’re a very strong offensive team, they trust themselves and their shooting. We knew they were going to have a girl drive, and our D stepped up to the plate.”
UAlbany only had two-time America East Midfielder of the Year and 2023 All-American Katie Pascale for the opening series before she retired to the sideline with her ongoing lower body injury. She finished her career as the school’s all-time leader in points (307) and assists (144).
Emma Blloshmi led Binghamton with four goals. All-tournament team selection Kristen Scheidel added three. For UAlbany, Grace McCauley, Poupard and all-tournament team selection Dineen each scored three goals.
“I’m really proud of our team and how they fought for every possession, they had each other’s backs, they gave it their all, and that’s all we can ask for,” Thomson said. “I’m just so proud to be associated with this coaching staff, with this team, with these seniors who’ve given everything and all of their heart to this program, and to all of our support staff.”
Binghamton 2 5 4 1 – 12
UAlbany 5 3 0 3 – 11
Binghamton scoring: Blloshmi 4-0, Scheidel 3-0, Muscolino 2-1, Murphy 1-1, Weltner 1-1, Forte 1-0. UAlbany scoring: McCauley 3-0, Poupard 3-0, Dineen 3-0, Hogg 1-2, Mooney 0-2, Weaver 0-1. Goalies: Binghamton, Salgado, 9 saves. UAlbany, Cincebox, 8 saves.
Unless sports are your thing, this news may not be that interesting.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually something which I feel I’d never understand.
It seems too complex and very large for me. I’m having a look forward on your next post, I’ll try to get the
dangle of it! Escape rooms
Very interesting points you have noted, appreciate it for putting up.!
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Best wishes! Where can I find the contact details for questions?
Great info. Lucky me I ran across your website by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later.