When the starting lineups are announced at an Oregon women’s lacrosse game, the names Breiner, Browne and Rector will most likely be missing.
But don’t think that the three reserves aren’t trying to change that – or that they’re not making a noticeable impact once they hit the field, either.
Senior Jenny Browne, junior Casey Rector and freshman Alex Breiner are usually head coach Jen Larsen’s first three reserves off the bench for the No. 20 Ducks, and are one reason why Oregon (4-1 overall, 1-1 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) goes into today’s match against No. 11 Notre Dame (3-1, 2-0 Big East) on a four-game winning streak, tied for the longest in school history.
“When Jen turns around and says ‘Breiner, Casey, Brownie,’ we know what time it is,” said Rector, one of three Ducks to score a game-winning goal.
According to Larsen, the trio’s biggest attribute is their ability to rest the starters while maintaining the Ducks’ tempo and game plan on both ends of the field.
“We’re just as powerful but now more fresh,” Larsen said.
Since the Ducks’ first game against Stanford, when all three scored a goal, at least one has scored in each following game. Last Saturday, Rector and Breiner scored three and two goals against Le Moyne, respectively.
For Browne, Rector and Breiner, Larsen’s so-called “first round” of reserves, the coach expects them to “get in and play on a whole new level.” Their play so far has merited such expectations.
The trio lead all non-starting Ducks in points, with Breiner and Rector tied for sixth with eight points, while Browne has three. Rector’s 100 percent shooting percentage (six shots, six goals) leads the team, with Breiner’s 58 percent ranks third.
Part of the group’s success on the field can be tied to their similarities of personality and play. All three play the same position – midfielder – and Rector says she notices the three standing next to each other on the sideline often. Their uniform numbers (7, 14, 21) even suggest a bond. They recognize their friendship has carried over into their performance.
“I absolutely agree with Casey that we all have a strong bond between us,” said Browne. “When I’m not playing my best, I look to Casey and Breiner.”
The three have found their respective roles on the field.
Breiner compares herself to a “burst of energy coming off the bench,” while Rector, when not scoring, focuses on winning ground balls and draws.
“Goals win games, yeah, but it starts with those small things, the hustle plays,” Rector said.
Browne, who has scored on two of her three free position goal attempts so far, can “electrify the offense” says Larsen.
While all three have made the frustrating transition from high school star to collegiate reserve, they know Larsen’s 12-person starting lineup is hardly permanent. Does it serve as motivation? Absolutely.
“It’s why I work my butt off every day in practice,” Breiner said.
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