Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. File photo of Sara LeBrun against Queens taken by Amy Short.
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - - Hat tricks from Sara LeBrun and Gabby Spalt were not enough for the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team as Shepherd took a 24-9 decision at Ram Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The Wildcats (0-3) received four goals from LeBrun and three goals from Spalt, but the Rams (1-4) scored 11 straight goals midway through the first half to seize control of the game.
LeBrun tied the game with a goal from Megan Card, 1-1, with 27:22 left in the half, but cutting the deficit to 3-2 with a goal from Spalt with 26:06 showing on the clock. But the Rams scored the next 11 goals of the half, jumping out to a 14-2 lead with 10:50 left to play in the first half.
LeBrun ended the drought with her third goal of the game with 8:23 to play and Spalt scored her first of the game on a free position shot with cap the scoring in the half and bring the Wildcats to within 15-4 going into the break.
The senior tallied her fourth goal of the game to start the second half, but the Rams retaliated with three straight to regain control and open an 18-5 lead with 20:11 left in regulation.
The Wildcats scored three of the next five goals in the game, with La'Dae Boykin getting on the board with her first goal of the game with 17:14 showing on the clock. Spalt added the next two goals to earn her first hat trick of the season. But the 20-8 deficit would be as close as the Wildcats would get, as the Rams scored three straight goals once again to open a 23-8 lead.
LeBrun finished with five points by adding an assist while Spalt also added an assist for four points. Boykin scored twice for two points while also leading the team with four draw controls. Card recorded a pair of assists while Christina Ziegler also got on the board with an assist and two draw controls.
Freshman goalkeeper Maddie Hurm faced 26 shots and made two saves while the Ram's Savannah Shores recorded three saves for the win.
The Wildcats have a quick turnaround for their next contest, as they head to West Virginia Wesleyan on Friday to complete their West Virginia trip. The opening draw is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.