CANTON (Ohio) – The Malone Pioneers (4-3) put on a commanding performance against West Virginia Wesleyan (1-3), securing a dominant 22-5 victory at home.
Wesleyan struck first with an early goal from Emma Adcock off a free-position shot, giving the Lady Bobcats a brief 1-0 lead. But the Pioneers responded, unleashing a 10-goal onslaught in the opening frame. Abbey Burns, the game’s leading scorer with seven goals, spearheaded the charge with three in the first quarter alone. Lexi Miller orchestrated the offense, contributing six assists in the contest, while Cam English and Alana Samek also found the back of the net.
By the end of the first, Malone held a 10-1 lead, outshooting the Lady Bobcats 16-2 and controlling possession with solid draw controls.
Malone maintained its offensive rhythm, tacking on five more goals in the second quarter while continuing to stifle Wesleyan’s attack. Emma Weintz, Meg Ridgway, and Olivia Marcantonio each scored to push the Pioneers’ lead further. Wesleyan managed to break through with a goal from Nyah Elmer, but by halftime, the Lady Bobcats trailed 15-2.
The third quarter mirrored the first half, with Malone controlling possession and dictating the pace. Miller and Adeline Shingleton capitalized on man-up situations, adding to the scoreboard. Burns continued her stellar play, notching two more goals, bringing her total to seven.
Despite facing an insurmountable deficit, the Lady Bobcats finished strong, scoring three goals in the final period. Ashlyn LaPlante, Francesca Sloan, and Emma Adcock each netted one.
The Lady Bobcats return to Cebe Ross Field on Sunday, Mar. 23 for a 5 p.m. start with Wheeling University.
