DOVER, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's lacrosse team controlled the pace of play through the first 10 minutes of action, but Merrimack answered to take a 22-6 nonconference victory on Thursday afternoon played at Alumni Stadium on the campus of Delaware State University.

The Wildcats (1-5) gained control of the opening draw and worked their offensive set in leading to the game's first goal, but Merrimack (2-2) gained their legs and answered to take a 14-4 lead at the halftime break.

Following Lashay Ross' game opening goal with 20:56 to play in the half, the Warriors responded with seven consecutive goals to take a 7-1 lead with 8:56 to play before the break. Anytime the Wildcats scored, the Warriors would respond with multiple goals of their own to regain momentum. Merrimack went into the halftime break leading 14-4.

Merrimack came out of halftime and put the first four goals of the second half on the board to grab an 18-4 lead with 19:38 to play in regulation. La'Dae Boykin scored two goals in the second half for the Wildcats, but it wasn't enough as Merrimack outscored the Wildcats, 8-2, in the final stanza.

Boykin led the offense with her two goals on Thursday, while Ross, Megan Card, Gabby Spalt, and Shawna Chopko all scored first half goals. Zameria Jones led the team with five ground balls and two caused turnovers while Boykin led the team with seven draw controls. 

The Wildcats gained possession of more draws, 16-14, than the Warriors in the game, but was plagued by 23 turnovers. Merrimack only committed 15 turnovers while successfully clearing the ball 11-of-15 opportunities.

Maddie Hurm recorded seven saves for the Wildcats while Alexa Petzold made six stops in the first half to record the win for the Warriors.

The Wildcats return to action on Saturday when they host Queens for another nonconference contest at the WU Athletics Complex. The opening draw is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.