By Charlie Miller, Staff Writer
(Graphic courtesy of Bullets Women’s Lacrosse)
Gettysburg women’s lacrosse notched a huge win against the third ranked Lions from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), as they were in control the whole way. Jordan Basso ’24 scored five goals and three assists for the Bullets, extending her season total to team-high 30 goals. Gettysburg played complimentary lacrosse, and despite allowing nine goals, they stifled the Lions for most of the game on defense, causing ten turnovers. Four of TCNJ’s goals came from the free position, a subject of controversy for the Bullet faithful.
Last Wednesday, March 29, was the “Bullet Pride” game, and Gettysburg fans came out in full force, waving banners and yelling words of encouragement to their team. The spectators had a lot to cheer about, as the Burg scored 17 times on 38 shots, with Basso, Julia Daly ’26, Emily Crane ’25, and Katie Fullowan ’23 each scoring three goals or more.
The fans grumbled several times at questionable officiating, which they believed led to the Lions getting several of their goals. Nonetheless, Gettysburg was stout on defense, led by Essie Pasternak ’23.
Pasternak was a thorn in the side of the TCNJ attack, forcing three turnovers and picking up a remarkable five ground balls. Success in gaining possession was vital to fueling the Bullets’ offense, as they were able to keep the ball in their offensive zone for a majority of the game. Pasternak is a senior from Short Hills, NJ and is one of four senior captains on the team. She was named Centennial Conference (CC) Defensive Player of the Week (POTW), while her teammate on the attack, Basso, was named CC Offensive POTW.
Pasternak was humble about her achievements, attributing her success to “the six other defenders by my side.” She had an unorthodox path to playing lacrosse at Gettysburg, as she only started playing in high school, while most college players start much earlier. However, this allowed her to constantly learn, and as a former midfielder she is “able to read what the opposing attackers will throw at me and counter.”
She credited her leadership skills to her mentor Caroline Keenaghan ’22, who “emphasized how each individual played a role on the team, whether it be a starter, off the bench, or a ‘hype man.’”
Pasternak has lived by that advice, and she believes that every player, on and off the field, needs to be locked in. Defender Kaitlyn Bergen ’23, midfielder Fullowan, and senior Kayla Lundberg ’23 are the other captains on the team.
Pasternak noted, “all seven seniors set the standard of what it means to be Gettysburg Women’s Lacrosse.” Along with first-year head coach Charlotte Cunningham, they will attempt to lead the Bullets to another Final Four appearance and their end goal of a national title.
Gettysburg moved to 6-3 on the year with the victory over TCNJ, and since their ensuing victory against Washington, they are now 7-3 and have won five games in a row. Last week’s win was certainly the Bullets’ biggest so far this season, as they defeated the Lions, whose only losses came against top-ranked Middlebury and now the Bullets.
Gettysburg is back in action on Wednesday as they take on their rivals from Carlisle at 4 p.m. on Clark Field.
