WATERBURY, Conn. - - A seven-goal first quarter helped the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team to a 25-8 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference road victory at Post, playing at LaMoy Field on Saturday.
The Wildcats (11-5, 7-2 CACC) remain in a tie for third place in the CACC standings with one game remaining. The Wildcats play Georgian Court next Saturday, with a chance to earn a bye into the CACC Tournament Semifinals.
Saturday started with back-to-back goals from Makenzie Stritzinger as the Wildcats went on to score all seven goals of the first quarter. Ella Royer scored twice in the quarter while Amelie Gamache collected three assists to put the Wildcats in front.
Ella Baynes scored her second of the game to start the second quarter, giving the Wildcats an 8-0 lead. Post answered with the next three goals to close the gap to 8-3, with 8:39 to play in the half. Maddie Day started a 3-0 Wilmington run to extend the lead back out and then the teams traded goals the rest of the quarter as the Wildcats led, 12-5, at the break.
The Wildcats and Eagles split the first two goals of the third quarter, but then Makenzie Stritzinger started a 5-0 run with her third goal of the game. Ella Royer and Anastasia Giannoulis scored two goals a piece to end the quarter, as the Wildcats put things out of reach, 18-6, heading into the final frame.
Another 5-0 run in the fourth quarter put the game away for the Wildcats, as they led by as many as 24-7. Ella Baynes scored twice in the run while Amelie Gamache, Riley McQuaide, and Lauren Gresham scored as well.
The Wildcats won control in the circle, out drawing the Eagles, 20-10. They also outshot the Eagles, 50-26, and committed a season low six turnovers.
Amelie Gamache led with nine points, scoring three goals while adding a team high six assists. Ella Baynes and Ella Royer led the team with five goals while adding one assist each for six points. Makenzie Stritzinger scored three goals and added an assist while leading the team with nine draws. Royer chipped in with seven draws as well.
The Wildcats have a week to prepare for Georgian Court, as that game will be next Saturday at the WU Athletics Complex. The opening draw is set for 1:00 p.m.