BOCA RATON, Fla. - - The Wilmington University women's lacrosse team scored the final four goals to come from behind and take down Keiser, 11-8, for their first win of the 2017 on Monday afternoon at Patch Reef Park.
Trailing 8-7 with 14 minutes left in regulation, the Wildcats (1-1) scored the final four goals of the contest, including the eventual game-winner with 3:53 showing on the clock to pick up their first victory over the season. Keiser, a NAIA program out of West Palm Beach, Florida, falls to 0-3 on the young season.
In a back and forth first half, the Wildcats scored back-to-back goals to take a 3-2 lead and once against to move ahead 5-3. The Seahawks closed the gap to 5-4 with 11:17 to play before the break, but Alexis Olsen capitalized on a free position shot with 49 seconds to play to put the Wildcats ahead, 6-4, going into the half.
La'Dae Boykin put the Wildcats ahead, 7-5, with 22:10 to play in regulation before the Seahawks countered. Keiser came out and scored three straight goals, including a goal on the man-advantage to take an 8-7 lead with 14:10 left in the game.
Out of a timeout, the Wildcats controlled the bulk of possession for the next six minutes, getting two shots off as well as having two free position attempts. After pulling out of their second free position attempt, the Wildcats tied the game, 8-8, with a goal from Lashay Ross with 7:57 to play.
The Wildcats were then able to stop the Seahawks from a clear attempt, leading to a wide shot from Boykin. The Wildcats were able to retain possession off the shot and Shawna Chopko capitalized with the go-ahead goal, 9-8, with 3:53 left.
Maddie Hurm came up with a free position save with 3:14 to keep the Wildcats ahead, 9-8. The Wildcats picked up the groundball and took it the other way, leading to Chopko's fourth and final goal of the day to give the Wildcats a 10-8 cushion with 1:07 remaining.
The Seahawks controlled the ensuing draw control but Hurm came up with another key stop in goal and Ross scooped up the rebound for the Wildcats. Following a successful clear, Boykin gave the Wildcats a three-goal lead, 11-8, off a feed from Gabby Spalt.
Chopko led the Wildcats with four goals while adding an assist for five points. Boykin also finished with a hat trick (three goals) while scooping up four ground balls and causing three turnovers. Nicole Strong and Ross led the team with six ground balls while Ross controlled a team high five draws in the game. Hurm made nine stops in goal for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats remain in Florida for one more contest, as they head to Saint Leo on Wednesday for a 4:00 p.m. opening draw.