Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. File photo of Sara LeBrun against Queens, taken by Amy Short.
NEWARK, Del. - - Trailing 9-6 late in the second half, the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team mounted a heroic comeback to overtake Dominican, 10-9, in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
Sara LeBrun scored three of the final four goals in the last 7:07 of regulation, including the game-winner with 18 seconds left to give the Wildcats (1-7, 1-1 CACC) their first win of the 2016 season. Dominican (0-8, 0-2 CACC) scored three straight goals to break a 6-6 tie and lead 9-6 with 7:21 showing on the clock.
After the Chargers took the 9-6 lead, La'Dae Boykin won one of her eight draw controls in the game to give the Wildcats' life. LeBrun was then able to turn a free position opportunity to a goal to start the momentum with 7:07 to play.
Boykin directed the ensuing draw towards LeBrun and the senior scooped it up to keep the Wildcats in possession. Megan Card found LeBrun in front of the goal and LeBrun found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 9-8 with 6:37 to play.
Boykin again won the ensuing draw, but a turnover gave the ball over to Dominican. The Chargers attempted to milk the clock, and were able to dwindle the time under the two-minute mark with the assistance of a Wilmington yellow card.
But a double team and turnover was scooped up by Mikailla Spencer who quickly pushed it ahead to the offense. Card set up Alexis Olsen in front, as Olsen buried the shot to tie the game with 1:44 showing on the clock.
LeBrun gathered the ensuing draw and looked to take the lead, but her rocket of a shot hit the crossbar, one of five times for the Wildcats in the game, and stayed out. Dominican gathered the ground ball and had an opportunity to win the game.
Setting up the offense with under a minute to play, the Chargers' Amber June went to goal, but Maddie Hurm came up the biggest save her the season and Spencer was there to clean up the rebound.
Spencer pushed the ball ahead to Boykin at midfield with 30 seconds to play and the Wildcats had a 4-on-2 going into the offensive zone. Boykin found LeBrun and she ripped the upper right hand corner of the net to put the Wildcats ahead, 10-9, with 18 seconds on the clock.
Card came up with the loose ball on the ensuing draw and the Wildcats were able to run out the clock for the win.
LeBrun led the Wildcats with five goals on Saturday, adding two ground balls and three draws. Card collected four points with two goals and two assists, adding four ground balls, three draws, and two caused turnovers. Olsen was the only other Wildcat with multiple goals, scoring twice on three shots. Boykin dished out three assists and added eight draw controls.
Hurm picked up her first collegiate victory in goal for the Wildcats, making six stops. Dominican goalkeeper Brittany Kiernan made six saves for the visitors.
The Wildcats look to win back-to-back games on Tuesday, as they host Caldwell for another CACC contest at the WU Athletics Complex. The opening draw is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.