The Virginia Wesleyan women's lacrosse team (7-5, 2-2 ODAC) delivered a commanding performance, battling the elements as well as their opponent, cruising to a 21-0 victory over Sweet Briar in conference action.
In goal, Melissa Dolt earned the win as part of a complete team shutout.
Reese Morgenthaler led all scorers with five goals and an assist, while Creelyn Bastinelli added four goals and an assist. Gianna Delavan orchestrated the offense with a game-high five assists to go along with a goal. Kenna Duplechin also played a key role with one goal and three assists, while multiple Marlins found the scoring column in a balanced attack that saw 11 different players score.
The Marlins wasted no time asserting control, erupting for 10 goals in the opening quarter. Gianna Delavan opened the scoring just 33 seconds into the contest, and the offensive momentum never slowed. Kenna Duplechin, Creelyn Bastinelli, and Reese Morgenthaler all contributed early goals as Virginia Wesleyan built a rapid multi-goal cushion. Morgenthaler netted a pair in the first period, while Bastinelli added two of her own, helping the Marlins take a 10-0 lead after one.
Virginia Wesleyan continued its dominance in the second quarter, adding six more goals. Carter Lehman found the back of the net for her first goal of the season during a man-down opportunity, while Bastinelli completed her hat trick before adding a fourth later in the frame. Morgenthaler and Vivian Spillman each scored, and Daphne Myers capped the quarter's scoring to give the Marlins a 16-0 advantage at halftime.
The Marlins closed out the game with five more goals in the third period. Jasmine Gorney opened the half with a goal off a Duplechin assist, and Naomi Schneider followed with her second score of the game. Morgan Stapleton tallied twice in the period, including one off another Duplechin assist, while Morgenthaler finished the scoring with her fifth goal of the day.
Virginia Wesleyan controlled every aspect of the game, outshooting Sweet Briar 39-0 and holding a decisive edge in draw controls, 18-5. The Marlins' defense was equally dominant, not allowing a single shot on goal while forcing 14 turnovers.
