CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University women's lacrosse team defeated its crosstown rival, the Walsh University Cavaliers, 17-12 on a warm Wednesday afternoon. The Pioneers finish the regular season at 11-4 while the Cavaliers fall to 5-8. In the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), Malone improves to 5-3, and Walsh drops to an even 4-4.
The first quarter started early for the Pioneers with
Meg Ridgway scoring the first goal of the game at 12:37. The Cavaliers managed to get ahead with a 3-1 lead, but
Cam English and
Ashtyn Praeter added themselves to the board to tie the game 3-3 going into the second period. Malone finished the quarter with a 100% clearing rate (7-for-7).
In the second period, both teams traded goals early, but the Pioneers went on an offensive run, with Praeter scoring five of the eight goals for Malone, marking her with a double hat trick at the break. The Pioneers went into halftime with an 11-5 lead over Walsh. Malone's offense finished the second quarter with 72% (8-for-11) of their shots going on target.
The Pioneers continued their pressure in the third, as
Abbey Burns and
Cam English each scored a goal each on man-up opportunities for a 13-7 lead going into the fourth. Malone finished the third quarter with an 100% clearing rate (6-for-6) once again.
Alana Samek took control of the Pioneers' offense, recording three of the four goals in the final period.
Caroline Bobo sealed Malone's victory with a goal at 1:20 for a 17-12 victory over the Cavaliers.
The Pioneers' offense was led by Praeter as she recorded six goals on the night, followed by Samek (5), English (2), Ridgway (2), Bobo (1), and Burns (1).
Sydney Atkinson (11-4) stood tall in the goal for Malone, recording a saving percentage of 40% (8-for-20).
The Malone University women's lacrosse team will continue its season as they prepare for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) playoffs. Seeding for the event will be announced once all teams conclude their slates, but the Quarterfinal Round will be played on Saturday, April 25.