Leah Rubino skillfully evades a defender as she advances towards the goal.
In a thrilling early-season lacrosse matchup, the Bulldogs hosted Vanderbilt on Wednesday afternoon. The game started with a rough for Butler with Vanderbilt surging ahead with 4 straight goals. However, Butler roared back with 5 goals, taking the lead into halftime. The momentum continued into the third period, with both teams trading goals, but Butler maintained a slight edge at 15-12 with about 10 minutes left. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Vanderbilt rallied in the final minutes, scoring five goals to Butler’s one, sealing a narrow 17-16 victory.
Leah Rubino led Butler’s scoring with 5 goals, supported by Luci Selander with 4, Kayla Kielbasa with 3, Elise Latham with 2 and contributions from Patricia Lynn, and Sophia Knoblock with one goal each. Elaney Hudson stood out with 4 assists, while Caroline Smith made 12 crucial saves in goal for the Bulldogs.
With this result, Butler now holds a 1-2 record and looks to bounce back in their upcoming matchup against Cincinnati at 1pm on Sunday at Varsity Field. Fans can catch the live stream on FloSports.
The defensive unit gathers to strategize after Vanderbilt’s goal
Freshman midfielder, Emily Eckert, speeds around the goal, ready to initiate an offensive play.
The offensive squad regroups and plans their move for the following goal.
Kayla Kielbasa scans the field for passing options.
Leah Rubino assesses her options, looking to make a pass upfield.
Leah Rubino skillfully evades a defender as she advances towards the goal.
Leah Rubino skillfully evades a defender as she advances towards the goal.
Luci Selander runs up field with ball in hand.
Leah Rubnio skillfully evades a defender as she advances towards the goal.
Savannah Behn navigates through defenders, searching for an opportunity to score.
Assistant coach, Lindsey Pound, provides guidance to Delaney Hudson and Luci Selander before an offensive play.
Emily Eckert gets ready to start play.
Assistant coach, Mckenna Rushford, shares high fives during a break in play following a Vanderbilt timeout.
Savannah Behn charges forward with ball in hand, determined to make an impact.
Emily Eckert showcases her speed as she races down the field.
Teammates embrace in celebration after a successful goal.
Senior midfielder, Leah Rubino, stands strong on defense, guarding the goal.
Sophomore midfielder, Patricia Lynn, defends against a Vanderbilt player.
Senior defender, Savannah Behn, charges across the field, poised to make a crucial pass
Senior midfielder, Kayla Kielbasa and competes with Vanderbilt players to capture loose ball.
Kayla Kielbasa executes a pass to her teammate.
Teammates celebrate yet another goal to end the 1st period.
Sophomore attacker, Delaney Hudson, attacks the goal.
Sophomore midfielder, Elsie Latham, secures a pass from her teammate.
Sophomore attacker, Luci Selander, charges towards goal in an offensive push.
Teammates embrace and celebrate after a goal.
Junior defender, Grace Hensley, maneuvers past defenders searching for passing and scoring opportunities.
