Under the bright lights of Paladin Stadium on a chilly Wednesday evening in Greenville, SC, the Clemson lacrosse team showcased their skill and teamwork, ensuring their season’s promising start continued to shine. With an 11-5 win over Furman, the Tigers improved their record to 2-0. Their performance on the field was not just a display of athleticism but a statement of intent for the season ahead.
From the get-go, Clemson’s strategy was clear: attack aggressively and defend with tenacity. The team wasted no time in marking their territory, with Claire Bockstie piercing through Furman’s defense to score the opening goal just three minutes into the game. This early lead was just the beginning of a scoring spree that saw the Tigers netting six straight unanswered goals in the first half, demonstrating their offensive firepower.
Clemson’s coach, Allison Kwolek, couldn’t hide her satisfaction with the team’s performance. “It was great to get our first win on the road. We look forward to being back home on Saturday,” she remarked post-match, her eyes already set on future victories.
Clemson successfully cleared 20 of its 22 attempts, and outshot Furman 21 to 18, showcasing their efficiency and precision. The draw controls were evenly split at 10 each, a sign of the fierce competition between the two squads. However, Clemson’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities made a distinct difference in the game’s outcome.
On offense, Clemson proved the adage that sharing is caring. Seven Tigers found the back of the net, with freshmen Kayla Macleod and Blair Byrne marking their debut by scoring their first collegiate goals. Emma Tilson also made headlines, scoring her first goal of the 2024 season and showcasing the depth and diversity of the team’s attacking options.
In the cage, Emily Lamparter was a stalwart for Clemson, registering eight saves on 13 shots, including an impressive four saves from free-position shots. Her performance underscored the team’s strong defensive capabilities, acting as the last line of defense against Furman’s attempts to claw back into the game.
Furman, resilient but ultimately overpowered, found their stride too late in the game. Their first goal came just 26 seconds before the end of the first half, a testament to Clemson’s suffocating defense. Despite both teams notching three goals each in the fourth quarter, the damage had already been done, with Clemson securing an 11-5 victory.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are set to return home to face Coastal Carolina at noon on Saturday, Feb. 17. With tickets still up for grabs, fans are encouraged to secure their spot and witness the thrilling spectacle of Clemson lacrosse in action.
