NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's lacrosse team was able to tie the game twice in the second half, but Jefferson won the defensive Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup, 7-6, on Wednesday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
It is the second consecutive loss by one goal for the Wildcats, as they fall to 9-2 overall and 1-2 in CACC play. Jefferson stays unbeaten in CACC play at 4-0, and is now 8-2 overall.
The Wildcats got off to a fast start, scoring the first two goals of the game. Anastasia Giannoulis opened the scoring and then Leah Rycroft made it a 2-0 game with 10:29 to play in the first. But Jefferson battle back, scoring goals with 6:38 to play and tied it with 55 seconds left in the quarter.
The Rams' defense then shutout the Wildcats in the second quarter, take a 4-2 lead at the half. The teams tied in shots in the quarter, 8-8, but Jefferson's keeper Kayln Ammerlaan stood tall, making six saves in the quarter.
Ella Royer was able to break away from being face guarded to score the first goal of the third quarter, getting out in transition to find the back of the net. Alea Javorowsky then tied the game, 5-5, with a tough angle goal with 5:49 left in the third. The Wildcats have two shots at the lead, but both shots by Kirra Crowley were saved by Kalyn Ammerlaan. The Rams then came down and scored to retake a 5-4 lead. Ella Royer had a free position attempt with less than a minute to play, but Ammerlaan again came up with the stop.
Poppy Fornoff created a turnover on a Jefferson clear attempt and then got the ball to Giannoulis who tied the game once again, 5-5, with 10:00 showing on the scoreboard in the fourth. The tie didn't last long though, as Jefferson got the ensuing draw and scored on a free position with 8:46 left, 6-5. The Wildcats had two possessions to try and tie the game, but both ended in turnovers. Jefferson then added to their lead with a. goal with 3:06 left, 7-5.
The Rams won the ensuring draw once again and the Wildcats' defense started to press. Ella Royer finally forced a turnover and scooped up the ground ball. She raced towards goal and scored her second of the game to make it 7-6. But the Rams again won the ensuing draw and was able to hold onto possession for the final 1:29 for the win.
The Wildcats outshot the Rams, 25-23, but Ammerlaan finished with 14 saves for the Rams. The Wildcats went 0-for-4 in free position shots as well. Caitlyn Welker led the defense with three caused turnovers and four ground balls.
The Wildcats take to the road for their next two contests, starting with a trip to Lakewood, New Jersey, on Saturday. They play Georgian Court with the opening draw set for 12:00 p.m.