WINTER PARK, Fla. - - A seven goal run to end the first half was too much to overcome for the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team, as it fell to nationally ranked No. 9 Rollins, 19-5, on Wednesday night at the Barker Family Stadium at Cahall-Sandspur Field.
Rollins (5-1) held the draw control in the first half, 12-4, leading to a 26-6 shot advantage. After the Wildcats (1-4) closed the gap to a 6-2 deficit with 13:58 to play, the Tars rattled off seven consecutive goals to end the half, taking a 13-2 lead into the break.
in all, the Tars outshot the Wildcats, 46-13 in the match, winning the game in the draw circle, 17-9. Tori Grubowski made a career high 16 saves in net for the Wildcats, but the Tars had too many opportunities in on the sophomore netminder.
Rollins started out by scoring the game's first four goals. Delaney Steele got the Wildcats on the board with a goal with 18:07 left in the half, but the Tars answered with back-to-back man-down goals to take a 6-1 lead. Taylor Lambeth converted a free-position shot to close the gap to within 6-2 with 13:58 to play, but seven straight goals opened up an 11-goal lead at the half.
The Wildcats won the opening draw of the second half and created a free position attempt for Maddie Day. She converted the shot for her lone goal of the day just 56 seconds into the half. Lashay Ross then scooped up the ensuing draw and put the Wildcats back on offense. She eventually scored her lone goal of the day to bring the Wildcats back within nine, 13-4, with 27:39 to play.
But the home squad answered with a four-goal swing, not allowing the Wildcats to get any close than the nine goals. Taylor Lambeth scored her second goal of the game with 16:48 to play, but that would be the final tally for the Wildcats.
Lashay Ross finished with four draw controls on the night while Brooke Siebert added two ground balls, two draws, and two caused turnovers.
The Wildcats travel to Lynn for a game on Friday under the lights in Boca Raton, Florida. Friday is also the team's Lax-4-Life Game. Opening draw is set for 6:00 p.m.