CHARLESTON — The University of Charleston women’s lacrosse team defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 17-2 in a Mountain East Conference matchup Thursday evening.
Charleston launched a six-goal barrage in the opening quarter and held Wesleyan scoreless through the first half. The Golden Eagles stifled the Lady Bobcats’ transition game and converted all 16 of their clear attempts while forcing 25 turnovers.
The opening quarter set the tone, with Charleston’s Willow Cooper netting the game’s first goal on a man-up opportunity assisted by Hayden Slinkard. Sylvi Jenner led all scorers with four goals and two assists
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Charleston held a 6-0 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 12-0 by halftime, with goals coming from a balanced attack that featured Alyse Weber (3G, 2A), Cooper (3G), and Allie Drake (2G). Gabriella Sabatino and Caitlyn Donovan each added to the offense, with Donovan scoring in both the second and third quarters.
Charleston’s defense smothered Wesleyan throughout, allowing just four shots on goal and holding the Bobcats to a single free-position opportunity. Goalkeeper Megan Liston was rarely tested, recording three saves in the first half before giving way to backups Rachel Pongonis and Jozette Rimkus, who each played a quarter.
Wesleyan struggled with 11 of their 25 turnovers unforced. Emma Adcock led the Lady Bobcats with a goal and an assist, factoring into both of Wesleyan’s second-half scores. Nyah Elmer added the other goal late in the fourth, assisted by Adcock.
Despite the offensive struggles, Wiktoria Walska stood out defensively for the Lady Bobcats, causing two turnovers and scooping up four ground balls. Goalkeepers Ella Gomez and Tatiyana Blacknall split time in net, each tallying five saves despite the relentless Charleston pressure.
