2011 Season in Review

2011 Flying Dutch Results

SEASON RECORD: 11-3
Tuesday, March 15, Calvin 11, Hope 3
Thursday, March 17, Aquinas 14, Hope 7
Tuesday, March 29, Hope 13, Grand Valley 9
Friday & Saturday, April 1-2, Tournament at Wheaton
Friday: Hope 14, Augustana 11
Saturday: Hope 15, University of Chicago 7
Saturday: Hope 14, Davenport 6
Saturday: Hope 16, Toledo 11
Tuesday, April 5, Hope at Saint Mary's cancelled (Hope wins by forfeit)
Wednesday, April 6, Hope 16, Kalamazoo 6
Friday, April 8, Hope 17, Western Michigan 9
Saturday, April 9, Playday at Calvin/Aquinas
Hope 21, Wayne State 9
Hope 16, Saginaw Valley 14
Hope 15, Grand Valley 14
Saturday, April 16, WCLL Playoffs in Toledo, Ohio
Aquinas 22, Hope 10

2011 Season in Review

Flying Dutch Bow in WCLL Playoffs (4/16/11)
Competing in the post-season playoffs for the first time, the Flying Dutch bowed to neighboring Aquinas 22-10 on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio. The loss snapped Hope's 11-game winning streak. The team ends the season with an 11-3 record.

Flying Dutch Headed to Post-Season Playoffs (4/16/11)
An amazing run of victories has resulted in a first-ever invitation to the Hope College women's lacrosse team to compete in the post-season playoffs of the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) in Toledo, Ohio. The games will be played at the University of Toledo.

Lacrosse for men and women at Hope College is a club sport with the goal of it becoming a varsity sport when it is recognized by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), possibly as early as the 2012-13 school year. Women's lacrosse has been a club sport at Hope since 2000.

This year the Flying Dutch posted an 11-2 record reeling off 11 consecutive victories after suffering losses in their first two outings. The team finished runnerup to Aquinas in the North Central region of the 40-team conference that consists of Division I, II and III institutions from New York to Wisconsin.

Hope will compete in the "B" division playoffs beginning Saturday against an unbeaten Aquinas team (19-0) that defeated the Flying Dutch 14-7 early in the season. Other teams in the "B" division playoffs are Oakland, West Virginia, Dayton, DePauwl, Butler and Augustana. Hope is seeded six among the eight teams.

The Flying Dutch are directed by first-year coach Tracy Benjamin. A 2009 Hope graduate, she was an active member of the women's lacrosse club team, serving as captain in 2007 and as club president in 2008 and 2009.

Flying Dutch Sweep Opponents in Weekend Tournament (4/9/11)
The Flying Dutch finished out their regular season strong Saturday at the Calvin/Aquinas Playday, winning all three of their games, completing the season with an 11-2 record.

The first victory of the playday was won over Wayne State (21-9), in which all member's of the Flying Dutch roster saw action. Katie Sabourin, Jamie Benjamin, Elaine Lebel, senior captain Lori Zimmerman, and Erin Behrendt all had hat tricks, with Behrendt scoring her first goals of the season. Sophomore captain Maddie Ferguson added a pair of goals, and Laurie Stubenrauch, Alex Day, Halie Wenhold, and Olivia Keinath all contributed one, with both Wenhold and Keinath also scoring their first goals of the season. Katie Anderson and Zimmerman had two assists a piece, with Sabourin, Benjamin, Ferguson, Lebel, Behrendt, and Sarah Leonard all tossing up one each. In the mid-section of the field, midfielder Rachel Jantz played a huge roll in ball possession with one caused turnover, two ground balls, and three draw controls. Hillary Johnson was a strong force for the defense, re-gaining possession of the ball and sprinting it up the field numerous times before Wayne State was able to get a shot off.

The second win of the day was over Saginaw Valley (16-14), with a much closer game than the previous one. Ferguson and Benjamin had spot-on shots, scoring four each. Ferguson also contributed two assists, and Benjamin one. Sabourin tallied up three goals and three assists, with Lebel also scoring three. Stubenrauch added one to the total, along with a dropped save by Saginaw's goalie which rolled into the goal, counting as another one for the Flying Dutch. Both Anderson and Zimmerman had an assist a piece. Sabourin and Ferguson played huge rolls in possession control with Sabourin maintaining draw control six times with one ground ball and Ferguson having two caused turnovers, two draw controls, and four ground balls. Kara Cox stopped Saginaw from being able to score numerous times by recovering the ball on the defensive end of the field leading to quick transitions, and was also able to tally up one caused turnover and one draw control. Goalie Jessica Donnell had a strong game with eight saves, and goalie Shelby Schilling held onto the win finishing off the game with one save.

The final game was against Grand Valley, which is who the Flying Dutch started their 11 game winning streak against. Being their closest game of the season (15-14) it was evident that Grand Valley wanted vengeance, but the Flying Dutch fought hard to finish off with a win. Benjamin had four goals with one assist, with Ferguson trailing not too far behind contributing three goals and two assists. Lebel, Anderson, and Sabourin each tallied up two, with Sabourin also contributing four assists, and Anderson one. Captains Day and Zimmerman were each able to get one last goal for the season as well. Stubenrauch played an outstanding game with brilliant ball control and key transitions from defense to offense. Senior Abby Gaskell held the defense together with her strong communication and knowledge of the game, not only in this final match-up, but throughout the entire season. Goalie Donnell played a great game with eight saves.

Flying Dutch Extend Winning Streak to Eight (4/8/11)
The Flying Dutch were able to continue their winning streak Friday night, defeating Western Michigan University 17-9 to bring their season record to 8-2. With Western scoring the first goal of the game, it took the Flying Dutch a little while to get warmed up, but once they did, they were hot.

Sophomore captain Maddie Ferguson played a great game, per usual, tallying up six goals and five assists. Attack player Katie Anderson wasn't far behind her with five goals and one assist. Jamie Benjamin contributed a pair of both goals and assists, while Katie Sabourin, Elaine Lebel, Lori Zimmerman, and Alex Day each had single tallies. Sabourin dished out three assists, and Zimmerman tossed in one.

On the defensive end, Laurie Stubenrauch was a strong presence with two caused turnovers and two ground balls. Kara Cox was the strength behind quick transitioning from defense to offense, and Hillary Johnson played with outstanding defensive positioning, shutting down numerous attacks on goal. Goalies Jessica Donnell and Shelby Schilling had three saves a piece.

The Flying Dutch will complete their season Saturday at the Calvin/Aquinas Playday where they'll meet Wayne State, Saginaw Valley, and re-visit Grand Valley. The Flying Dutch will work to bring their record to 11-2, with hopes of making it into the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League regional postseason tournament.

Flying Dutch Win Season's Final Home Game (4/7/11)
The Flying Dutch closed out the home portion of their season with a 16-6 victory over Kalamazoo on Wednesday. Being their last home game of the season, the Flying Dutch recognized its members who are in their last year of play, including: seniors Abby Gaskell, Bri Bennett, captain Lori Zimmerman, Megan Timmer, and juniors Hillary Johnson and Kelly Robbins.

All of Hope's roster saw action in the game. Coming out strong in the first half, both Jamie Benjamin and Katie Sabourin contributed four goals apiece, with three and two assists respectively. Sophomore captain Maddie Ferguson tallied three goals and one assist, with senior captain Zimmerman chipped-in a pair of goals. First goals of the season were scored by Laurie Stubenrauch and Timmer.

Gaskell, who normally plays low defense, was able to chalk up a goal in the last seconds of the game with a beautiful assist by Sabourin. Offensive players Katie Anderson, Rachel Jantz, and Stephanie Rogers all contributed an assist a piece.

On the defensive end of the field junior captain Alex Day, Elaine Lebel, and Ferguson all had caused-turnovers, while Zimmerman stepped in with an interception. Johnson had an outstanding performance for the defense in the last home game of her career, providing quick transitions by scooping up the ball and racing it down the field time-and-time again. Both Kara Cox and Ferguson recovered three ground balls a piece, playing a big role in the transitioning and change of possession in the center of the field. Freshman goalie Jessica Donnell had a strong first half with six saves, only allowing one goal for the opponents. Goalie Shelby Schilling finished out the game with one save and numerous spot-on clears.

Flying Dutch Win Four Times at Wheaton Tournament (4/2/11)
The Flying Dutch returned from the Wheaton Playday with an undefeated tournament record of 4-0. Victories in the tournament were over Augustana (14-11), Davenport (14-6), Chicago (15-7), and Toledo (16-11). Both offensive and defensive contributions to the weekend's success came from numerous players.

Captain Maddie Ferguson and junior Jamie Benjamin led the Flying Dutch in goals for the weekend, scoring 15 each. Other attack players racking up points included: Katie Sabourin (9), junior captain Alex Day (7), Katie Anderson (5), Elaine Lebel (5), senior captain Lori Zimmerman (2), and Kara Cox (1). Sabourin and Ferguson led the team with assists, contributing six and five respectively.

On the defensive end of the field, Laurie Stubenrauch was a force to be reckoned with, with four caused turnovers and one interception. Both Day and Cox led the team in interceptions with three each. Senior Abby Gaskell controlled the defense throughout the tournament with outstanding positioning, shutting down the opposing team's crashing offense time and time again. Freshman goalie Jessica Donnell had an exceptional performance throughout the tournament, with 23 saves total.

Hoping to keep their five-game winning streak going, the Flying Dutch look forward to the final week or their season, starting with their last home game against Kalamazoo on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.)

Flying Dutch Record First Victory (3/29/11)
Wearing pink shirts under their jerseys to represent the fight against breast cancer, the Flying Dutch successfully fought for their first win of the season defeating Grand Valley State 13-9 Tuesday. While goals for both teams seemed to be scored back-and-forth, the Flying Dutch managed to keep the lead the entire game. Sophomore captain Maddie Ferguson was on fire, playing the entire game and scoring six goals with one assist. Jamie Benjamin wasn't far behind her with four goals, along with Katie Sabourin contributing two, and senior captain Lori Zimmerman one. Big scoring opportunities were created by offenders Katie Anderson, Elaine Lebel, Kara Cox, and junior captain Alex Day, who all had assists. Laurie Stubenrauch was a strong presence on the defensive end, causing multiple turnovers and leading numerous transitions down the field.

In support of the fight against breast cancer, the Flying Dutch sold Hope College Lacrosse tshirts and accepted donations throughout the game, raising about $100. If you're interested in purchasing a pink "Scoring Against Cancer" tshirt, you can contact Megan Timmer at megan.timmer@hope.edu.

Improved Flying Dutch Give Aquinas a Test (3/17/11)
A score of Aquinas 14, Hope 7 does not reflect the vigor and vast improvements the Lady Dutch showed in what is anticipated to be their toughest competition of the season. Although the game is counted as a second loss for the Flying Dutch's record, the team had their heads held high with smiles across their faces because they knew they had improved so much from their first game of the season on Tuesday against Calvin. All the shortcomings that were identified from Tuesday's game became strong points that attributed to the high morale at the end of the game.

Having the title of most goals scored against Aquinas, who holds an undefeated record of 7-0, can be attributed to all players and positions for the Flying Dutch. The defense was aggressive and quickly adapted to Aquinas' sharp offense. Passing and transitioning down the field was a key element to Hope's improvements, led by senior captain Lori Zimmerman and freshman Kara Cox. Eager to find the back of the net, the offensive players worked together to find holes in the Saint's defense. Many goal-scoring plays were initiated by freshman Katie Sabourin, who had an eye for open players in front of the net. Junior Jamie Benjamin contributed three goals, while sophomore captain Maddie Ferguson and freshman Elaine Lebel added two each.

After coming off such a high from the performance showed in this game, the Flying Dutch are eager and ready to return from Spring Break and meet their next opponents, GVSU, at Hope Tuesday, March 29th at 7 p.m.

Flying Dutch Bow to Rival Calvin in Opener (3/15/11)
The Flying Dutch fought a tough battle in their season opener against Calvin, bowing 11-3. With the majority of the first half played on Hope's side of the field, the defense played relentlessly being led by Abby Gaskell, Kara Cox, and Alex Day. Both Cox and Day had an interception a piece. Freshman goalie Jessica Donnell had an outstanding game with 10 saves.

Ending the half at Calvin 6, Hope 0, the Flying Dutch stepped up the intensity in the second half. Action by the offense was led by Maddie Ferguson, Jamie Benjamin, and Katie Sabourin. Benjamin got the first goal of the game for Hope, helping pick up the momentum, followed by a goal from Sabourin. Hope's final goal was scored within the last seconds by Sabourin off an assist from Benjamin. All of Hope's roster saw action in the contest against Calvin.

The Flying Dutch will be traveling to Aquinas Thursday for their second game of the season before Spring Break.

2011 Scoring Summaries

Butler 12, Hope 11
Jamie Benjamin, 4 goals, 1 assist
Katie Anderson, 1 goal, 1 assist
Maddie Ferguson, 4 goals, 1 assist
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals, 2 assists
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 5 saves

Aquinas 22, Hope 10
Maddie Ferguson, 2 goals, 1 assist
Katie Anderson, 1 goal, 1 assist
Jamie Benjamin, 6 goals, 1 assist
Katie Sabourin, 1 goal, 4 assists
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 7 saves

Hope 15, Grand Valley 14
Jamie Benjamin, 4 goals, 1 assist
Maddie Ferguson, 3 goals, 2 assists
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals, 4 assists
Lori Zimmerman, 1 goal
Alex Day, 1 goal
Katie Anderson, 2 goals, 1 assist
Elaine Lebel, 2 goals
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 8 saves

Hope 16, Saginaw Valley 14
Katie Sabourin, 3 goals, 3 assists
Elaine Lebel, 3 goals
Jamie Benjamin, 4 goals, 1 assist
Maddie Ferguson, 4 goals, 2 assists
Laurie Stubenrauch, 1 goal
Katie Anderson, 1 assist
Lori Zimmerman, 1 assist
Saginaw Valley goalie, 1 goal
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 8 saves
Goalkeeper: Shelby Schilling, 1 save

Hope 21, Wayne State 9
Katie Sabourin, 3 goals, 1 assist
Jamie Benjamin, 3 goals, 1 assist
Maddie Ferguson, 2 goals, 1 assist
Laurie Stubenrauch, 1 goal
Elaine Lebel, 3 goals, 1 assist
Halie Wenhold, 1 goal
Lori Zimmerman, 3 goals, 2 assists
Erin Behrendt, 3 goals, 1 assist
Alex Day, 1 goal
Olivia Keinath 1 goal
Katie Anderson, 2 assists
Sarah Leonard, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 1 save

Hope 17, Western Michigan 9
Maddie Ferguson, 6 goals, 5 assists
Jamie Benjamin, 2 goals, 2 assists
Katie Anderson, 5 goals, 1 assists
Katie Sabourin, 1 goal, 3 assists
Elaine Lebel, 1 goal
Lori Zimmerman, 1 goal, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 3 saves
Goalkeeper: Shelby Schilling, 3 saves

Hope 16, Kalamazoo 6
Jamie Benjamin 4 goals, 3 assists
Katie Sabourin, 4 goals, 2 assists
Maddie Ferguson, 3 goals, 1 assist
Lori Zimmerman, 2 goals
Laurie Stubenrauch, 1 goal
Megan Timmer, 1 goal
Abby Gaskell, 1 goal
Katie Anderson, 1 assist
Rachel Jantz, 1 assist
Stephanie Rogers, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 6 saves
Goalkeeper: Shelby Shilling, 1 save

Hope at Saint Mary's cancelled
Hope declared winner by forfeit

Hope 14, Augustana 11
Maddie Ferguson, 3 goals
Alex Day, 3 goals
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals, 1 assist
Katie Anderson, 1 goal
Jamie Benjamin, 4 goals, 1 assist
Elaine Lebel, 1 goal
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 5 saves

Hope 15, Chicago 7
Maddie Ferguson, 4 goals, 2 assists
Jamie Benjamin, 3 goals
Kara Cox, 1 goal
Katie Anderson, 3 goals, 1 assist
Elaine Lebel, 1 goal, 1 assist
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals
Alex Day, 1 goal
Stephanie Rogers, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 6 saves
Goalkeeper: Shelby Schilling, 1 save

Hope 14, Davenport 6
Elaine Lebel, 2 goals, 1 assist
Jamie Benjamin, 3 goals
Maddie Ferguson, 4 goals, 2 assists
Katie Sabourin, 3 goals, 1 assist
Lori Zimmerman, 1 goal, 1 assist
Alex Day, 1 goal, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 8 saves

Hope 16, Toledo 11
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals, 4 assists
Lori Zimmerman, 1 goal
Jamie Benjamin, 5 goals, 1 assist
Maddie Ferguson, 4 goals, 1 assist
Katie Anderson, 1 goal
Alex Day, 2 goals
Elaine Lebel, 1 goal
Megan Timmer, 1 assist
Kara Cox, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 4 saves
Goalkeeper: Shelby Schilling, 3 saves

Hope 13, Grand Valley 9
Maddie Ferguson, 6 goals, 1 assist
Jamie Benjamin, 4 goals
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals
Lori Zimmerman, 1 goal
Katie Anderson, 1 assist
Elaine Lebel, 1 assist
Kara Cox, 1 assist
Alex Day, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 4 saves
Goalkeeper: Shelby Shilling, 2 saves

Aquinas 14, Hope 7
Jamie Benjamin, 3 goals
Maddie Ferguson, 2 goals, 1 assist
Elaine Lebel - 2 goals, 1 assist
Katie Sabourin, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 1 save
Goalkeeper: Shelby Schilling, 3 saves

Calvin 11, Hope 3
Katie Sabourin, 2 goals
Jamie Benjamin, 1goal, 1 assist
Goalkeeper: Jessica Donnell, 10 saves