SPORTS
Conference Play Continues as Lacrosse Hosts VCU, George Mason
Olivia Carey celebrates with her teammates. This News of Davidson photo from last season.
DAVIDSON, N.C. — In the midst of one of their strongest starts to a season in program history, the Davidson Wildcats will return to the field this weekend for an Atlantic 10 home slate with VCU and George Mason. The ‘Cats will host VCU on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and then turn around to play George Mason on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Coverage for this weekend’s contests will be available at davidsonwildcats.com/coverage.
ABOUT THE RAMS… VCU is 6-4 through its first 10 games of the season, and 2-1 in conference play in the A-10’s South Division. With the ‘Cats just one game above the Rams in the standings, Friday’s matchup will hold playoff implications entering the final three weeks of the regular season. The Rams have recorded 137 goals this season, while allowing just 103, and are led by Julianne George (25 G, 20 A, 45 Pts) and Kerian McTavish (26 G, 10 A, 26 Pts). Since joining the Atlantic 10 Davidson is 2-2 against VCU, having lost the last two matchups by a single goal in overtime.
VS. THE PATRIOTS… The Wildcats are 3-3 against George Mason since joining the league in 2014-15, and last defeated the Patriots on March 26, 16-8, in Fairfax. In the match up, Julianne Carey knotted a career-high five points, while Gianna New recorded four goals and Erin Cooke added three goals and one assist to the score sheet. Overall, George Mason is just 1-8 on the year and is looking for its first conference victory.
SISTER, SISTER… Davidson’s sisterly duo of Julianne and Olivia Carey has had star power for the Wildcats this season, combining for 50 of the team’s 185 points. Freshman Julianne Carey leads the team with 31 points and 11 assists, while sitting second in goals with 20. The rookie has been named the league’s Rookie of the Week six out of the seven weeks this season and ranks 59th in the nation with her 11 assists. Senior Olivia Carey is second on the team with 10 assists, good for 72nd nationally, and recently scored a career-high five points in an 18-7 win over George Washington last weekend. The Carey sisters’ efforts have helped lead the Wildcats to their first 2-0 start to Atlantic 10 play in program history.
BETWEEN THE PIPES… Sophomore netminder Amanda Monahan has been stellar in the cage for the ‘Cats this season, averaging 8.78 saves per game and stopping 79 total shots. The Massachusetts native ranks 18th nationally in save percentage (.494), 21st in goals against per game (9.73) and 23rd in ground balls per game (3.11).
AN UNSUNG HERO… Senior defender Natalie Junior is one of Davidson’s biggest backfield advantages, currently ranking 11th across Division I women’s lacrosse in caused turnovers per game (2.22). Junior was the Wildcats’ first ever A-10 Preseason All-Conference honoree last season and has 80 caused turnovers in her career to date.