VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia - The Virginia Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team opened their 2022 season with a 13-10 victory over the Monarchs of Methodist University on Sunday afternoon at Birdsong Field in Virginia Beach, VA.
GAME INFORMATION
Score: Virginia Wesleyan 13 - Methodist 10
Records: Virginia Wesleyan 1-0 | Methodist 0-1
Location: Birdsong Field | Virginia Beach, VA
GAME RECAP
The Marlins started off hot scoring the first four goals of the contest. Michaela Elston, Natalie Dunn, Mikayla Szudera, and Breanna Sviland each contributed to the early 4-0 lead. Methodist put in back to back goals in a 40 second window (3:34-2;54) putting the score at 4-2, but a goal by Mikayla Callahan put VWU 5-2 at the end of the first quarter.
Methodist scored three unanswered goals in the second quarter while keeping the Marlins off the scoreboard until the final 22 seconds of the half. Helen Kennedy-Butler scored off an assist from Samantha Hill to give VWU a one goal advantage, 6-5, heading into the break.
The Marlins used the first 10 minutes of the third quarter to score four consecutive goals taking a10-5 lead over the Monarchs. Szudera, Hill, N. Dunn, and Kennedy-Butler all scored in the drive. Methodist managed to score one goal in the third quarter from Alaijah Ward as the teams heading into the final quarter with VWU leading 10-6.
The Monarchs opened the fourth quarter with a pair of goals pulling within two, 10-8, with 10:42 on the clock. VWU responded with three straight, two from Kennedy-Butler and one from Caroline Engel off a free-position shot, taking a 13-8 lead with 4:15 remaining. After an MU timeout, the Monarchs rallied and added two more goals to their tally but ran out of time to catch the Marlins who claimed the win 13-10.
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN LEADERS
The Marlins were led by Helen Kennedy-Butler with four goals and three assists on seven shots on goal. Kennedy-Butler also scooped up five ground balls. Natalie Dunn and Mikayla Szudera each added a pair of goals while five other Marlins scored in the contest. Michaela Elston tallied a team high six ground balls in her debut.
METHODIST LEADERS
The Monarchs were led by Keegan Foyles and Alaijah Ward with three goals apiece, while Mikayla Ramos added a pair. Kayla Nee added a pair of assists. Julee Delellis led the Monarchs with five ground balls while Payton Jones added four DCs and caused three turnovers.
UP NEXT
The women's lacrosse team is back in action on Friday, February 18, when they host cross bay rival, Christopher Newport University, for a Friday evening showdown. First draw is set for 5 PM at Birdsong Field.
