MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - - Five consecutive goals to start the second half allowed Millersville to skirt by the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team, 20-11, on Saturday afternoon at Biemesderfer Stadium.
The Wildcats (4-3) scored three straight goals in the second quarter to tie the match, 4-4, but Millersville (3-2) scored three of the final four goals of the quarter, including the final goal with just 23 second left to take a 7-5 lead into the halftime break.
Then the Marauders came out and scored the first five goals of the third quarter to take a 12-5 lead with 4:44 to play. Millersville was once again able to score the final goal of the third quarter, however, converting a free position shot with four seconds left to take a 14-7 lead into the final frame.
Makenzie Stritzinger scored to start the fourth quarter, but then the teams traded the next four goals, with Ella Baynes and Ella Royer scoring back-to-back goals to bring the Wildcats to within 16-10 with 6:07 to play. But Millersville won the ensuing draw, eventually scored on a free position shot, and then won the next draw and immediately scored again, regaining an 18-10 lead late in the fourth quarter.
Three Wildcats scored two goals, led by Ella Royer's two goals and two assists. Lauren Gresham and Maddie Day also scored twice in the game. Alea Javorowsky and Makenzie Stritzinger scored a goal and added an assist while Ella Baynes, Anastasia Giannoulis, and Amelie Gamache all scored single goals.
The Wildcats won the draw control battle, 17-16, led by Gamache with six draws. Both Stritzinger and Royer added five draws each. Zorah Perry led the defensive charge with three caused turnovers while adding two ground balls.
Katie Vindigni made a season high 19 saves in goal, the second most in a game in her career.
Saturday was the final nonconference game for the Wildcats, as they now turn their attention towards the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference portion of their schedule. They open with a road game at Dominican next Saturday with a 2:00 p.m. opening draw.
