FROSTBURG, MD. - - The wait is over for the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team, as they opened the 2021 season on Saturday, falling to Frostburg State on the road, 19-11, at Bobcat Stadium.
In the University's first game action in 373 days since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wildcats hung tough in their first game of the 2021 season. Already having played twice this year, Frostburg State used a 6-1 run in the first half to propel them in the early going.
Rust was apparent for the Wildcats, as they turned the ball over 19 times in the first half, 33 times for the game. But they were able to gain control of the ball early on, winning 18 of the 32 draw controls. The Bobcats (1-2) were able to force 18 turnovers and take off the other way, resulting in 56 shots in the contest for the home team.
Tori Grubowski was the last line of defense for the Wildcats and proved worthy Saturday, making 26 saves and ending with an outstanding .578 save percentage. The 26 saves are a new personal best for the sophomore goalie and the fourth most in a game in program history. Only Catie Smith (28 at Georgian Court in 2007), and Amber Smith (27 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas in 2008 and vs. Philadelphia in 2008) have made more stops in a single game in Wildcat history.
With the game tied at 1-1, the Bobcats scored four straight in route to a 6-1 run over a 14 minute span to take a 7-2 lead with 3:11 to play in the first half. Maddie Day answered with back-to-back goals to end the half, giving her a first half hat trick, to close the gap to 7-4 at the break.
Newcomer Riley McQuaide brought the Wildcats even closer to start the 2nd half, scoring her first collegiate career goal to make it a 7-5 deficit. But Frostburg State answered with consecutive goals and five of the next six overall to widen the margin back out to 12-6 with 13:11 remaining. The Wildcats could only close the gap to as few as five the rest of the way, as newcomer Amelie Gamache notched her first collegiate career goal and Maris Allen scored back-to-back goals to make it 15-10, with 7:27 to play.
Taylor Lambeth and Maddie Day led the Wildcats with three goals each while McQuaide added three points with two goals and an assist. Juliana Kolakowski led the team with two assists. Brooke Siebert had a game high eight draws.
The Wildcats make the short trip to Dover as they play NCAA Division I instate rival Delaware State on Tuesday. The opening draw is set for 5:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.