NEWARK, Del. - - In a battle for first place in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference standings, Dominican pulled away late from the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team, remaining unbeaten with a 23-16 victory on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats (11-4, 5-2 CACC) closed the gap to as few as two goals in the third quarter, but the Chargers (12-2, 7-0 CACC) scored the final four goals of the third to distance themselves and come away with the victory.
The Wildcats hurt themselves with 13 first half turnovers, trying to force the ball in front of the goal. But they were able to take a 3-2 lead with back-to-back goals int eh first quarter by Amelie Gamache. The Chargers closed the quarter with the final five goals however, taking a 7-3 lead into the second quarter.
The Wildcats got to within three goals on multiple occasions in the second quarter, but the team's traded goals through the frame. Ella Royer and Makenzie Stritzinger each scored twice in the quarter before Amelie Gamache scored with 17 seconds left to send the Wildcats into the halftime break trailing, 12-8.
Gamache and Royer scored the first two goals of the third quarter to get the Wildcats to within 12-10. But then the Chargers scored four of the next five goals, taking a 16-11 lead with 7:17 showing on the clock. Ella Royer and Makenzie Stritzinger answered with back-to-back goals to get the Wildcats to within 16-13, but again the Chargers had an answer, finishing the quarter with the final four goals to take a 20-13 lead into the fourth.
Ella Royer scored the first goal of the fourth quarter, but the Chargers rallied right back with back-to-back goals and led 22-14 with 12:02 to play.
The teams tied in collecting draws, 21-21, but 21 Wilmington turnovers gave the ball back to the Chargers. Dominican only turned the ball over 11 times in the game. Dominican outshot the Wildcats, 43-28.
Ella Royer finished with six goals and an assist while Amelie Gamache added six goals as well. Makenzie Stritzinger finished with three goals and three assists while Alea Javorowsky had one goal and four assists. Katie Vindigni made 11 saves in the game.
The Wildcats have the midweek off and return to action with their final regular season home game next Saturday, April 20. They welcome Caldwell to Newark with a 1:00 p.m. opening draw, with the team honoring its Seniors during pregame.
