Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Sara LeBrun following one of her seven goals against Caldwell, taken by Frank Stallworth.
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's lacrosse team held off a late flurry to capture their second straight Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory, 10-9, over Caldwell on Tuesday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
Sara LeBrun put the Wildcats (2-7, 2-1 CACC) up, 9-5, with 19:11 remaining in regulation, but the home team had to hold off the Cougars (3-5, 3-1 CACC) down the stretch to pick up the win.
The Cougars scored three straight games to get with 9-8 with 11:38 to play, but LeBrun again provided the late game spark and scored her seven goal of the game to give the Wildcats a two-goal cushion, 10-8, with 10:04 showing on the clock. That would stand as the game-winner as the Cougars could only come up with one more goal as their comeback bid fell short.
The comeback bid had its chances in the final moments, but freshman goalkeeper Maddie Hurm held her ground to keep the Wildcats in front. Holfing onto the one-goal advantage, Hurm came up with a pair of saves down the stretch, one with 5:15 left and the most important one with 17 seconds to play on a free position opportunity.
The 10 saves for Hurm were the second most in a game this season for the freshman, but the most in a win for the Wildcats. Her .526 save percentage on Tuesday was a season high.
The Wildcats got out to a fast start on Tuesday, scoring three straight to take a 3-1 lead. Caldwell tied the game with back-to-back goals, but the Wildcats closed out the first half by scoring three of the final four goals, including the final two from LeBrun to take a 6-4 lead into the break.
LeBrun again scored back-to-back goals to start the second half, putting the Wildcats ahead 8-4. LeBrun added her sixth goal of the game with 19:11 left to give the home team the 9-5 lead, before the Cougars started their comeback.
LeBrun scored seven goals on eight shots while also adding three ground balls, three caused turnovers, and two draw controls. La'Dae Boykin added four points with a goal and three assists, as she added two draws and a ground ball. Alexis Olsen and Gabby Spalt scored the other goals for the Wildcats.
Megan Card led the team with six ground balls while she dished out an assist and added three draws. Marisa Parker added two assists on the afternoon as well.
The Wildcats will look to make it three in a row as they head to Georgian Court on Saturday. The opening draw is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. in Lakewood, New Jersey.
