Fans at AU women's lacrosse games this season may have thought they were seeing double in the form of a quick redhead who always seemed to be at the net, scoring on her own assists.
Their eyes were not deceiving: It really was two people, Jackie and Lauren Lane. The two sophomore attacks from North Massapequa, N.Y., are often easily confused for each other on the field for their red hair, aggressive play and scoring ability. Or maybe it's just because they're twins.
"We've always done everything together: had the same friends, [been] on the same team," Lauren said. "We are always in the same situations and of course, we're the same age."
The twins are almost always together off the field, but lately, they've been inseparable on the field as well. Earlier this month in their match against league rival Holy Cross, the Lanes combined for four goals, three of which were scored by Jackie off Lauren's assists. In last week's game against Drexel, the Lanes paired up again when Lauren scored on a pass from Jackie.
"It comes naturally because we've always played together," Lauren said of the teamwork. "I know where she is on field; we almost have senses for each other."
"We've been playing together for eight years, so we know how the other plays," Jackie added. "We kind of look for each other [on the field]."
The Lanes have been a powerful duo for the Eagles this year, totaling a combined 48 points this season between them. They were blanked in only one game this year, last week's matchup against Colgate.
With such similar stats and physical looks, it's easy to mistake one Lane for the other during games. But it's who they are off the field that makes the two unique.
"Jackie's a minute older, but most people think that I'm older because I'm [three inches] taller," said Lauren, who is 5-foot-6.
The two also have different interests in school, both opting for different majors. Jackie is in Kogod, while Lauren is in the School of Communication
"Lauren's really good at writing, but I'm a terrible writer," Jackie admitted. "She's also a better volleyball player than me."
Though they hadn't originally planned to leave high school heading on the same path, the decision to come to AU and play lacrosse together was an easy one. The Lanes played on the varsity volleyball, basketball and lacrosse teams, and captained all three squads together in their senior year. Both were also members of the National Honor Society.
"We didn't want to go to the same school at first, but we both really liked the campus and the team when we visited," Jackie said. "I think we always knew we'd be together [in college], because we'd never been apart."
The twin decision by both Lanes to play lacrosse at AU has obviously benefited the team, but it's also paid off for themselves as well.
"Our relationship has gotten stronger," Lauren said. "It's been a lot of fun playing at the next level together"
