Christina Dove was fully aware that the streak existed, but she had other things on her mind. Winning games, for one.

The senior midfielder did not want to dwell on the terrain that comes with the consecutive games with a goal streak. Lacrosse isn’t an individual sport, it’s a team sport.

Over the course of the streak, Dove emerged as a primary scoring threat on the Syracuse roster. Her knack for being a prolific scorer has attracted the attention of opposing coaches and has also enabled many other SU players to step up.

And her true worth was confirmed in a loss.

Dove’s streak was snapped Sunday against No. 11 Notre Dame. Dove had scored a goal in each of the past 50 games dating all the way back to the 2008 season opener. As SU tied its lowest scoring output of the season with merely five goals, Dove’s influence on the attack was validated.

 ‘I don’t like to think about that kind of stuff,’ Dove said of the streak on Feb. 21. ‘I mean, I just come out hard every game strong and play my game. I don’t think of stats like that, but it’s important to come out strong every game and try to help the team any way I can.’
 
 Dove may not seek the attention, but her play warrants it. The nominee for the Tewaaraton Trophy in recognition of the best women’s lacrosse player in the nation, Dove has let her play do the talking.
 
The streak may have ended, but Dove continues to break numerous records, as she is the active leader in scoring and goals in the NCAA.

Dove isn’t even the top point-scorer on the team this season. The role has been assumed by junior attack Tee Ladouceur, who has attributed many of her points to the relationship her and Dove have on the field.

‘I think we mesh extremely well together,’ Ladouceur said. ‘If she doesn’t have it I usually have it, and if I don’t have it she does. We know where each other are going to be and things like that and it works out great.’

Dove has an uncanny ability to avoid defenders and fire the ball past the opposing team’s goalie. She thrives in one-on-one situations.

Unlike Ladouceur, Dove is a slasher rather than a feeder. Anytime she sees an open lane, she is not afraid to wind up and heave one at the cage.

Dove’s contributions have been widespread throughout the season. As the team’s leading goal scorer with 40, she has assumed the role as the team’s primary sniper.

‘It’s easy with Christina Dove because she works harder than anyone else,’ SU head coach Gary Gait said. ‘She gets out on the field, works on her shooting, dodging and everything she needs to be successful.’

Dove doesn’t like to talk about herself. She would much rather talk about the successes of the team. She knows that the team’s performance is not her sole responsibility.

And the scoring has come from other places. One thing that Dove is not is selfish. It shows in the team’s successes. A selfish player can be detrimental to any team.

Dove isn’t a detriment. She proved it over 50 games. And freshman attack Michelle Tumolo knows it won’t stop now.

‘If you have someone that’s a ball hog, it’s hard to play with them,’ Tumolo said. ‘But everyone works so well together.’

adtredin@syr.edu

Published on April 14, 2010 at 12:00 pm