CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University women's lacrosse team suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the University of Charleston, 18-6. The Pioneers are now 3-1 overall while the Golden Eagles move their record to 3-4.
 
Charleston scored the first two goals of the afternoon before Abbey Burns distributed a pass to Meg Ridgway for the team's only score of the first period at 8:11 to go. The Golden Eagles rattled off three more, including one while up a man, to make it 5-1 at the break.
 
The opponents opened up a 10-1 advantage in the second quarter. An unassisted goal by Emma Weintz was the lone score for Malone as they trailed 11-2 at halftime. Cam English took advantage of an outmatched opportunity with an assist credited to Ashtyn Praeter in the third quarter, but through 45 minutes, Charleston had put themselves ahead 15-3.
 
Regan Blythe went on the offensive in the first minute of the fourth quarter and found the back of the net for her first goal of the day. Praeter and Caroline Bobo would do the same in the late stages of the fourth quarter, but three goals in the fourth was not enough to overcome the deficit the Pioneers found themselves in. Malone had two of the final three goals scored in the 18-6 loss.
 
The Golden Eagles took nearly twice as many shots as the Pioneers at 29-15. Malone struggled in clearing opportunities (7-for-14) and had 24 turnovers compared to Charleston's 17. The Pioneers did however secure more draw controls at 15-10.
 
Burns brought in the most draw controls with seven. Sarah Bricker caused two turnovers for the defense. Sydney Atkinson (3-1) made six saves and secured a team-high five ground balls.
 
Up next, Malone competes against St. Thomas University in a neutral site game at Warner University. That contest will be on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 P.M.