23 Mar 2015
Loughborough claim thrilling victory in inaugural ‘trans-Atlantic varsity’
A last minute goal gave Loughborough Students’ lacrosse a thrilling 12-11 victory against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the inaugural ‘trans-Atlantic varsity’ match.
The match, the first played between the two institutions, was held at the Loughborough University Stadium in front of 1,500 spectators.
MIT started strongly in the first half, with Bella DiDio and Emily Young both scoring twice. But Loughborough managed to peg the visitors back to finish the half at 5-5.
In the second half Loughborough took control and raced into an 8-5 lead with goals from Antonia Hudson and Charlotte Lytollis. But MIT fought back and captain Kira Schott equalised to tie the match 8-8.
The momentum was now with MIT and two goals from Ashley Masucci gave the visitors an 11-9 lead.
But Loughborough, roared on by the home crowd were not to be denied. An equaliser from Samantha Cock and the winner from Charlotte Lytollis ensured Loughborough claimed the match and the Challenge Cup.
Speaking after the match Emma Oakley, Loughborough Students’ lacrosse captain said:
“It was absolutely exhausting and a mentally challenging game. There were two equally matches teams so to come out with the win I’m really pleased with that. A re-match would be great.
“We’ve never really played with such a big crowd before so to have that many people watch lacrosse was a new experience, but was really great when you can hear them cheering you along.”
The MIT contingent are spending a week in Loughborough to experience academic life on campus, as well as sharing ideas about how best to develop and deliver a world-class student sport experience.
Matt Breen from MIT’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation said:
“It was such an event, and more than what we expected it to be. The quality of the game between both teams was fantastic - the momentum swings, the effort of both teams, and how much they wanted to win.
“It’s such a unique experience for us to come over here and see how things operate. The team are never going to forget this experience.”
A diary of the MIT’s women’s lacrosse visit to Loughborough University can be found here.
Photographs from the Loughborough Students v MIT Engineers women’s lacrosse match can be found here.