April 14, 2004

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New Haven, CT - Ten different players scored goals as No. 14 Yale beat Columbia 18-3 in women's lacrosse action at a rain-soaked Johnson Field on Wednesday afternoon. The Bulldogs (8-4) outshot the Lions (6-6) 35-18 and posted their second-highest goal total of the year (Yale scored 25 against Fairfield on March 31).

Sophie Melniker paced the Bulldog attack with five goals and three assists. Her fifth goal came at 1:39 of the first half and capped a 12-0 Yale run to start the game. Katie Warner scored for Columbia with 31 seconds to go before halftime to finally stop Yale's streak.

Tewaaraton Award candidate Miles Whitman scored for Yale with eight seconds left in the first half. That was her second goal of the game and 163rd of her career, pulling her to within one of Heather Bentley for second on Yale's career goal list.

With a 13-1 halftime edge, the Bulldogs utilized their deep bench to keep Columbia from getting any closer in the second half. The Bulldogs got a combined five goals from subs Tiffany Venuto (two), Marya Myers, Sarah Scalia and Jennifer Voorhees.

"Tiffany Venuto played a great game at center at both ends of the field," noted Joel E. Smilow, Class of 1954 Head Coach Amanda O'Leary. "It was a total team effort. There was no drop-off -- you couldn't tell the starters from the non-starters."

Yale also showed depth in goal, getting four saves each from starter Lonnie Sarnell and backup Casey Littlefield while also working in Regan Gilbride. Gilbride, who plays defense for the women's hockey team, recently joined the lacrosse team after the conclusion of the ice hockey season.

"Lonnie played really well and made some big saves," said O'Leary. "Casey came in and did a great job, and Regan's ability to come in and play after only being with us a few weeks was great."

Working in 25 players and still maintaining the level of play is particularly important as Yale prepares for a unique doubleheader on Saturday at Johnson Field. Yale hosts Cal at 12:00, then hosts Monmouth at 6:00. The Bulldogs appear ready for the combined 120 minutes of lacrosse spread over the course of the day.

"It eases our minds, knowing we have the depth," O'Leary said.

The Bulldogs will celebrate Senior Day prior to the Monmouth game, honoring Melniker, Whitman, Voorhees and Jennifer Kessel.

report by Sam Rubin '95, Yale Sports Publicity Department