In their season opener last week, Cambridge University Women’s Lacrosse Blues held off a late fightback from a visiting Cardiff side, narrowly prevailing 12-11.

Dominant first and second quarters saw the hosts build a commanding 8-3 lead at half time, before a flurry of late goals made for a nervous finish.  

Goals scored by Camille Barton, Sofia Johanson, Katie Watson,  and Amber Richards were enough to get the season off to a winning start.

In the first quarter, the long trip to St John’s playing fields seemed like it would bring nothing but misery for the visitors, who, despite an early spell of possession, found themselves trailing 3-0 to the Blues, with goals coming from exemplary captain Barton, as well as Johanson and Watson. 

Cambridge’s dominance continued to show in the second period as the Blues rapidly extended their lead to a comfortable 5-0.

Cardiff then finally got their names on the scoresheet, formidable goalkeeper Laurie Price’s net finally breached for the first time. In this high scoring quarter, the teams went on to twice trade further goals, before Cambridge again stretched their lead to five on the stroke of half time, the score at 8-3. 

Just as it looked like Cambridge might cruise to victory in the final two quarters, an early goal for Cardiff in the third quarter instilled a newfound confidence in the visitors, their buoyed American coach incessantly shouting from the sidelines.

Despite a yellow card and a player removed from the field for three minutes, Cardiff continued to find success, diminishing the host’s previously considerable lead to just two goals. The period finished with the score at 9-7, setting up a tense final fifteen minutes of action. 

The momentum continued to flow in the visitors' favour as the final period began, the Blues’ lead reduced to 9-8. A quickfire double from the imperious Johanson followed by a goal from Amber Richards helped to settle any Cambridge nerves, extending the score to 12-8 and all but assuring victory.  

Three late goals for the visitors before the final whistle again stirred brief panic amongst the hosts, but it was too little too late. Cambridge returned to the clubhouse deservedly victorious.

Next up the Blues will travel to Bristol, looking to build on their first win.