Despite record, women’s lacrosse has bright spot in Bachman
The Waynesburg University women’s lacrosse team currently holds a 1-9 record, but that has not stopped junior attacker Holly Bachman from having a successful season.
The Butler, Pennsylvania native currently has 30 goals, leaving her with 94 collegiate career goals thus far. Bachman is leading the team in goals this season, after leading the team last season in goals and was also second on the team for goals her freshman year.
“Setting small goals for myself throughout the season helps motivate me and wanting to be one of the best pushes me too,” said Bachman. “I am a very competitive person, so being able to compete with some of the best girls in our conference is such an accomplishment for me. Getting 100 goals is something I have set for myself since my freshman year, but at no time did I think I would be so close so soon.”
Currently Bachman holds the Waynesburg record for career goals, which means she would be the first in history if she hits the 100 goal mark. Not only does Bachman lead the team in goals, but she also was chosen to serve as a team captain this season by her teammates.
“She works hard everyday, she expects the most out of people,” said head coach Stephanie Benkowski. “My favorite thing about her is she calls out people and she has an expectation on each person on the team and the team knows that. It has been awesome having her as a team leader for us.”
As a freshman, Bachman was second on the Yellow Jackets in goals scored with 22.
Bachman took a big step in her sophomore year, as she emerged as the leading scorer for the Jackets. The then-sophomore attacker scored 42 of Waynesburg’s 135 goals last season.
So far this season, Bachman has scored 31 of Waynesburg’s 76 goals, which is tied for eighth best in the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference.
Bachman has scored six goals in a game on two different occasions this season. The first was when the team traveled to Lancaster Bible College and the second was when the team took on Saint Vincent.
As Bachman continues to drive for success, she also looks at her teammates for guidance and support.
“My teammates and coaches push me every day to lead the team and set an example. Having that pressure on me drives me too,” said Bachman. “The team is always cheering me on, but they also don’t take it easy on me either. I love when people call me out because I know I mess up and I want to hear what I need to work on and what I can be doing to get better.”
This year’s roster is compiled of 15 players for a sport requiring 12 field players counting the goalie. The lack of substitutions has been a difficult for the team, but the team has tried to change that in a positive light.
Bachman said this has been challenging, but because of the short numbers everyone must work together, which makes for better chemistry on the field. This also contributes to how Bachman motivates her teammates.
“I try to get the girls excited to play and I feel like I do a good job lifting them up when they’re down,” said Bachman. “So many people are hard on themselves so pointing out the positives, no matter how little, definitely helps. It’s not fun having to point out the negatives or yell but when we are capable of so much more you have to. By pointing out mistakes, we are better able to work on those things to grow.”
After the hard work and leadership the last three seasons, Bachman will continue to work towards her 100-goal milestone as the season comes to a close.