In the 2015 season opener, the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team fell to nationally No. 15 Dowling, 15-4, on Thursday afternoon at Golden Lions' Field.
Dowling (1-0) started quick out of the gates, opening up a 7-0 halftime lead and taking a 9-0 lead before Gabby Spalt put the Wildcats (0-1) on the board for the first time in 2015. The Golden Lion lead grew to as large as 12 throughout the contest before the Wildcats scored the final goal of the game to settle on the 15-4 final tally.
Spalt scored the first two goals of the game for the Wildcats, both off free position shots in the second half. Dowling scored the next four goals however, before Sara LeBrun netted her first goal as a Wildcat with 10:03 left on the scoreboard.
Tildon's mark came off a pass from LeBrun with 7:40 to play, rounding out the scoring for the afternoon.
The Wildcats created multiple opportunities throughout the opener, collecting 22 shots for the game. Dowling goalkeeper Lauren Young kept the Wildcats at bay however, making 11 saves on the afternoon. Wilmington netminder Corinne Dries was faced with 33 shots, coming up with 17 saves in the game.
The Wildcats came away with an 8-6 advantage in ground balls in the first half, but the Golden Lions evened the advantaged in the second half as both teams finished with 10 ground balls. The biggest advantage in the game came at midfield, as Dowling scooped up a 14-5 advantage on draw controls.
Lebrun scored a goal and added an assist while Rebekah McCurry added the only other assist for the Wildcats on the afternoon. McCurry also added team highs of four ground balls, two draws, and three caused turnovers. Chelsie Maher chipped in with a pair of caused turnovers on the defensive end as well.
Jackie Andersen's six goals and three assists led Dowling while Katie Meinecke added four goals and assist for the home team.
The Wildcats return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to in-state and NCAA Division I rival Delaware State. The opening draw is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Dover.