Greenville, Pa. - Women's Lacrosse improved to 2-0 on the young season with a commanding 13-5 victory over the Thiel Tomcats this evening, using a balanced offensive attack and dominant ground ball play to secure the win.
The Mounties controlled the tempo from the start, piling up 29 shots and putting 27 on goal. Freshman Chelsea Stout (Grand Blanc, Mich., Grand Blanc) once again led the offensive charge, finishing with three goals and three assists for a six-point performance while adding four ground balls. Senior Shelby Smeal (Altoona, Pa., Altoona) matched Stout with three goals of her own, while junior Cassidy Cook (Glen Burnie, Md., North County) scored two goals on a team-high nine shots and seven shots on goal.
The Mounties showcased its depth offensively with eight different players finding the back of the net. Senior Jordan Turner (Grampian, Pa., Curwensville), junior Brenna Dobson (Lewistown, Pa., Mifflin County), sophomore Tierney Patterson (Liberty, Pa., North Penn Liberty), and junior Isabella Panichelle (Butler, Pa., Butler) each tallied a goal, while freshman Alannah McNichol (Bellefonte, Pa, Bellefonte) contributed a goal and an assist. Dobson added four ground balls, and McNichol chipped in five as the Mounties dominated possession.
Defensively, the Mounties were relentless. They finished with 39 ground balls compared to 21 by Thiel and forced 31 turnovers. Panichelle led the way with eight ground balls, while Cook caused a team-high four turnovers. Shelby Smeal added four caused turnovers, highlighting a strong all-around defensive effort.
In goal, freshman keeper Keira Murray (Grand Island, N.Y., Grand Island)Â earned the win, making seven saves while allowing just five goals.
With another well-rounded performance on both ends of the field, the Mounties continue to build momentum early in the season and will look to carry their 2-0 start into their next contest versus Point Park (1-1) on Sunday. The game is a 1:15 start and will be played at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
#GoMounties
