Women’s Lacrosse Drops a Close One to Transylvania, 11-9

SPRINGFIELD, OH – Looking for its first win of the season, Wittenberg's Women's Lacrosse battled it out with visiting Transylvania in a non-conference match only to come up on the short end of the stick, 11-9, Saturday afternoon, Feb. 28, at Edwards-Maurer Field, part of the Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex.

After being held to just one goal by Witt's tough defense in the first period, Transy exploded for five goals to grab a 6-5 edge at the intermission over the Tigers, who scored two in the first and three more in the second. Witt led briefly in the second 3-2, before the Pioneers scored three quick goals to go up 5-3, then added one more just before the half. The scoring spurt turned out to be the difference, as Transy stayed ahead by at least one goal the rest of the way to capture the victory.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Tigers played well on offense with nine goals being their largest output so far this season. They also spread out the offense with five different players finding the net, turning in a balanced scoring attack over the four periods.

Alyssa Burnside (Hilliard, OH / Bradley), Jarya Hassell  (Bellbrook, OH / Bellbrook), Sophia Meek (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy Orange), and Essence Wyse (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy) each scored two goals for the Tigers and Aubrey Stager  (Saline, MI / Saline) landed the other.

Wyse also led the team in assists with two and added four ground balls. Meek had five shots, all five on goal, while Hassell had six shots, two on goal. Stager led the team in ground balls and in draw controls with six and two, respectively. Meek, Hassell, and Burnside registered the team's other assists. Ebony Wyse (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy) added five ground balls.

Goalkeeper Makenna Ricketts (Chardon, OH / Chardon) collected 18 saves on 29 shots faced for another career-high.

With the loss, Wittenberg goes to 0-3 on the season, while Transylvania improves to 3-2 overall. Wittenberg is 1-5 overall in the series against the Pioneers.

 Team Comparison

• Wittenberg had nine goals, five assists, 22 shots, 15 on goal, 31 ground balls, 10 draw controls, and six caused turnovers. The Tigers were 15-for-20 in clears and committed 21 turnovers.
• Transylvania had 11 goals, three assists, 38 shots, 29 on goal, 35 ground balls, 10 draw controls, and nine caused turnovers. The Pioneers were 11-for-17 in clears and committed 14 turnovers.

Up Next

The Tigers will travel to Otterbein for a 6 p.m. match on March 4.

Written By: Cindy Holbrook