NEW LONDON, Conn. - Despite falling behind 4-0 in the early going, the Connecticut College women's lacrosse team battled back for the team's first conference win since 2016 against Bates at Coast Guard's Cadet Memorial Field. Trailing for most of the game, the Camels refused to quit and took advantage in the fourth quarter thanks in part to two fourth quarter goals by senior captain Kelly Wolin (Sudbury, Mass.). 

Playing a home game at the USCGA because of the Silfen Invitational held at Connecticut College, it was the Bobcats who gained the momentum early. Within the first 10 minutes, Bates opened with four goals including two by Dana Swartz. Following a timeout by the Camels, Emily Yorns (Longmeadow, Mass.) got on the board with back-to-back goals to cut the lead in half. 

Wolin got the Camels going in the second quarter with her first goal just 37 seconds into the stanza, but Bates responded with a score 14 seconds later. After another Bobcats' goal, freshman Aine Downey (Brookline, Mass.) assisted on a pair of goals by teammates Julianna Ingrassia (Garden City, N.Y.) and Emma Ognibene (New Canaan, Conn.). The teams entered the halftime break with Bates holding a 6-5 advantage.

The visitors came out hot in the third quarter with two consecutive goals to extend their lead back to three, but Wolin scored at the 8:32 mark to stop the run. Ognibene followed up with back-to-back goals to tie the game at eight at the end of the quarter.

Wolin scored her third goal of the game to give the Camels their first lead just over 10 minutes left to play in the game. Bates quickly responded to knot the contest at nine, but the score would not remain tied for long. Following a penalty on the Bobcats, Conn took advantage of the extra attacker when Downey scored on a free-position attempt. Wolin added on with 4:57 remaining off an assist from Yorns. After several defensive stands, the Camels extended their lead to three when Ingrassia scored on an extra effort. Bates would add another goal, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit, and Conn held on for a 12-10 win, their first victory over the Bobcats since 2010.

The Camels played excellent defensively in the fourth quarter with nine forced turnovers. Goalie Violette Nidds (Ridgewood, N.J.) was fantastic between the pipes with 16 saves. In addition to Wolin's four-goal performance, Downey and Yorns facilitated well, adding three and two assists respectively.

Connecticut College (6-7, 1-7 NESCAC) will next play Bowdoin on Saturday, April 23.