[box]Milly Virtue[/box] 
Glasgow 14-16 Nottingham
Glasgow ladies lacrosse slumped to a narrow defveat against Nottingham on a glorious day up at the Garscube. The visitors had travelled north for the BUCS last 16 clash and despite a great start from the home side, they were agonisingly beaten 16-14 after the visitors staged a stunning comeback.
Glasgow started at a frenetic pace and raced out to a four goal lead within the first five minutes. Yet Nottingham heeded this warning and fought back to take a one goal lead by the end of the first quarter. During a dogged second quarterit became apparent neither team was prepared to lose with Nottingham raising the bar once more as they scored almost instantly from the restart. Glasgow then fought back with some great attacking play, with the next ten minutes seeing the goals to continue to fly in at both ends with the hosts trailing 6-7 going into the half time break.
Glasgow then started the second half like they started the first. obviously fired up by inspirational captain Alex Norodom they scored four goals in seven minutes and the place in the quarter finals seemed almost assured. However just like in the first half, Nottingham hit back. the visitors again pulled ahead and would have extended their lead but for the stellar rearguard action of the Glasgow defence, led by the acrobatic goal keeping of Matsui Marukawa. As the match ran into the final 10 minutes Glasgow trailed by one goal yet as they piled forward in attack in search of an elusive equaliser they were twice punished on the counterattack as Nottingham increased their lead.
A cruel loss against one the top University teams in the country, but a outstanding performance of heart and determination which Glasgow can be proud of. This spirit was perhaps best typified by talismanic Scotland star Lydia Nicol who was not only top scorer on the day but also for the entire season. Glasgow’s resilience in the face of the overwhelming favourites showed they are constantly ready for the fight, and who knows, next year maybe with a bit more experience they’ll be able to deliver a knock out blow.
