When the Irish women's lacrosse team matches up today against Delaware, both teams will be coming off similar heartbreaking one-goal losses. The No. 15-ranked Irish look to improve their record to 5-1 while the normally top-tier Blue Hens will be searching for just their third win in seven games.

"Last year they were the first ranked team we beat, it was a really tight game," said senior Natalie Loftus. "They are definitely going to come out ready to play tomorrow."

Delaware played Ohio State on Monday. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 20, jumped out to an 8-4 first half lead. Delaware played a strong second half but almost delivered an upset, before losing 12-11. Like Notre Dame's loss to Cornell, this game will be fresh on Delaware's mind.

"Delaware is a traditional lacrosse powerhouse," said captain Alissa Moser. "Even though they are not as good this year, they are still a threat. We need to be on our toes."

The Irish look to play for a complete game after a subpar first half in a one-goal loss to Cornell last week. Cornell went up 8-3, and despite a strong second half, the Irish lost 10-9.

"We all knew we weren't playing [in the first half] the way Notre Dame lacrosse should be played. We realize what we did wrong and definitely have corrected it," said Moser. "That was only our first loss of the season, but we really don't want to lose. We are out for a win tomorrow."

The Irish expect to come out strong, but be patient in the first half today. They hope to take immediate control of the game.

"We need to be aggressive," said Moser, who has scored the first Irish goal twice this season. "We are ready to take it to them in the first couple minutes and keep pounding away."

Offensively, the Irish have been scoring goals in bunches throughout the season, and these scoring bursts have been able to carry them to wins. The Irish also have scoring depth, as six girls have recorded five or more goals in as many games.

The Irish have been off since their March 19 game and have used this time to work on their fundamentals.

"We are really excited to play again," said Loftus. "We've had time to work some kinks out and get ready for Delaware."

The Irish will face Delaware at 4 p.m. at Meyo Field.

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