March 12, 2006
Five straight! Strong second half propels Monarchs past College of Notre Dame
Methodist improves to 5-2 overall as Cushman scores six goals

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The winning streak reached five straight for the Methodist Monarch lacrosse team on Sunday as it used a strong second half to pull away from visiting College of Notre Dame 18-13 at Monarch Stadium. The victory improves Methodist to 5-2 overall, and the five-game winning streak is the best in program history.

The score was tied 6-6 at halftime and then 9-9 early in the second half when the Monarchs scored five straight goals and six of seven goals to lead 15-10 with four minutes remaining. Kali Rodriguez put Methodist in front for good with a goal in the 49th minute on the free position.

Katelyn Cushman then scored two straight goals, followed by single goals by Lauren McGonagle and Bridget Holcomb. Cushman then gave the Monarchs the five-goal lead with four minutes remaining.

The closest that the Gators were able to trim the lead was three goals, but the Monarchs answered with two goals in the waning seconds to seal it.

Cushman scored a career-high six goals to pace the Monarchs, followed by McGonagle with five goals and three assists and Lindsey West with four goals and two assists. For College of Notre Dame (3-1), Anne Shippen scored eight goals and Tina Money scored four goals. Goalkeeper Monique Boone recorded 12 saves.

Methodist travels on Wednesday to in-state rival Guilford for a 4 p.m. showdown.