The Thomas More College women’s lacrosse team won its first match of the season tonight (Tuesday, March 28, 2017) as it defeated Wilmington College, 8-7, in a non-conference match at Williams Stadium in Wilmington, Ohio.
With the win, the Saints improve to 1-4 and with the loss, the Quakers fall to 1-8.
Thomas More jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as senior Erika LaRosa (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) scored off an assist from senior Christy Smith (Washington Courthouse, Ohio/Washington) at the 29:42 and senior Tori Liles (Tollesboro, Ky./Lewis County) scored unassisted at 27:16. Wilmington scored two goals to tie the match at 2-2. The Saints then reeled off three-straight goals as Smith scored unassisted at 12:23, sophomore Jeni Hall (Lebanon, Ky./Marian County) scored unassisted at 8:51 and Smith scored at 5:32 off a Liles assist. Wilmington scored a goal in the closing minutes of the first half to cut the Saints’ lead to 5-3 at halftime.
Smith scored unassisted at 15:17 of the second half to increase the lead to 6-3. The Quakers found the back of the net twice to cut the lead to 6-5. Smith would score again unassisted at 11:33 to increase the lead to 7-5. Wilmington would score two-straight goals to tie the match at 7-7. With 2:26 to play in the second half, LaRosa scored eventual game-winning goal for the 8-7 victory.
Sophomore goalkeeper Gillian Casey (Lexington, Ky./Lexington Catholic) earned the win in goal as she recorded eight saves 60 minutes of action.
Thomas More held a 28-21 advantage in shots and a 14-3 advantage in draw controls. Liles led the team in draw controls with five, while Hall led the team in shots with eight. Senior Megan Klever (Sylvania,Ohio/Northview) led the team in ground balls with six.
Thomas More returns to action on Saturday (April 1) when its hosts Saint Vincent College in its Ohio River Lacrosse Conference (ORLC) opener. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. at BB&T Field in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.
Cory Blackson
Director of Athletic Communications and Compliance
Thomas More College