SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - - A strong first half allowed the Wilmington University women's lacrosse team to cruise to an 18-8 victory over Charleston (W.Va.) to begin the team's trip to California, hosted by Dominican University at Kennelly Field.
The Wildcats (3-0) raced out to a 5-1 lead after the first quarter, and then poured it on with seven consecutive goals in the second quarter, taking a 12-3 lead into the halftime break.
It is the fifth time the Wildcats have started a season 3-0, and the first since the 2024 team started 4-0. The 2022 team tied the mark of 5-0 to start a season.
The Wildcats started the game by scoring the first two goals. Tristan Holdsworth opened the scoring before Michaelle Cook made it 2-0 with 9:06 to play in the quarter. Charleston got on the board with 8:00 to play but then Ella Royer, Alea Javorowsky and Kirra Crowley all scored to make it 5-1 at the end of the first quarter.
Charleston started the second quarter with back-to-back goals to cut the deficit to 5-3, but then the Wildcats took off. Tristan Holdsworth started an 8-0 run with a goal on the advantage, and then Ella Royer scored three times in a row. Kirra Crowly scored her second of the game and then Ella Royer scored two more before halftime to make it 12-3.
Leah Rycroft got in the scoring column to start the third quarter, making it an 8-0 run for the Wildcats. Charleston scored twice, spanning the third and fourth quarters, getting to within 15-6. But the closest the Golden Eagles could get would be 16-7 before Rycroft and Crowley capped the scoring for the Wildcats.
Ella Royer led the Wildcats with eight goals and an assist for nine points. She also led the team with five draw controls in the game. Tristan Holdsworth scored twice and added four assists while Alea Javorowsky scored once and added five assists. Kirra Crowley added three goals and an assist. Mia Bucs led the defense with two caused turnovers
Ashley Lawry made eight first half saves for the win before Allison Schiavone came on to record six second half stops.
The Wildcats have one more game in California before returning east, playing host Dominican on Wednesday afternoon. The opening draw is set for 6:00 p.m. eastern.
