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NEWARK, Del. - - Trailing by a goal, the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team scored the final two goals to secure a 15-14 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory over Jefferson on Thursday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
Jefferson (4-5, 4-1 CACC) fought back from an early deficit to take their first lead, 13-12, in the fourth quarter, and again led, 14-13, with 7:14 to play before the Wildcats (10-2, 4-0) scored with 4:47 to play to tie the game and 3:01 remaining to take the lead for good.
The victory is just the third for the Wildcats against the Rams all-time and the first since the 2017 regular season.
The Wildcats started strong against the Rams on Thursday, jumping out to 3-1 and 4-2 leads in the first quarter. Ella Royer scored three goals in the first quarter, but then the Rams scored the final two goals of the frame to make it a 4-4 game after the first quarter.
Wilmington took control of the second quarter, scoring the first five goals to open a 9-4 advantage. Makenzie Stritzinger scored two goals during the run while Amelie Gamache, Riley McQuaide and Royer all joined in to take a 9-4 lead with 6:45 to play. But Jefferson closed the quarter strong once again, scoring the final three marks to make it a 9-7 ballgame at the halftime break.
The teams split the first four goals of the third quarter before Jefferson tied the game, 11-11, with back-to-back goals. Anastasia Giannoulis converted a free position attempt with 5:18 left in the quarter which ended up being the final goal of the third, giving the Wildcats a 12-11 lead.
Jefferson took its first lead of the game with two goals to start the fourth quarter, 13-12, with 9:19 to play. Makenzie Stritzinger tied the game with a drive to the net with 7:43 to play, 13-13. Jefferson answered right back after taking the draw and earning a free position attempt. The Rams scored with 7:14 to play to take the lead, 14-13.
Ella Royer had a free position attempt saved with 6:15 to play, but the netminder couldn't stop her again as the Wildcats won position and got back on offense with 5:11 to play. Royer dipped inside the defender and crossed the goal mouth, scoring her sixth goal of the game to tie the contest, 14-14, with 4:47 to play.
The Wildcats won the ensuing draw to go right back on offense. Royer rang the post on a free position attempt, but the Wildcats were able to retain possession. Alea Javorowsky then found Makenzie Stritzinger in front for the one-time goal with 3:01 to play for the lead, 15-14.
On defense with less than a minute to play, Ella Royer forced a turnover and picked up the ground ball with 48 seconds to play. The Wildcats were able to run out the rest of the clock to win the game.
Ella Royer scored six goals to lead the offense while also adding five draws, two caused turnovers, and three ground balls. Alea Javorowsky dished out six assists while Makenzie Stritzinger scored four goals and added an assist and eight draws. Amelie Gamache scored two goals while adding an assist and five draws. Taylor Culver led the defense with four caused turnovers and five ground balls. Katie Vindigni made 13 saves for the win.
The Wildcats are on the road for their next two games, traveling to Felician on Saturday for another CACC contest. The opening draw against the Golden Falcons is set for 2:00 p.m.