Lacrosse starts season on right foot

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The Nicole Miller era is underway at Shippensburg University, and it began on a high note, as the Shippensburg University women’s lacrosse team defeated Wilmington University of Delaware, 13–9 Saturday.

Miller was named SU’s head coach on June 12, 2016 and boasts an impressive track record after a successful playing career at East Stroudsburg. Her team did not disappoint in its season-opener.

Allison Fugate led SU with a team-high four goals and an assist, registering a hat trick in the win. Madi Newman, Amanda Frank and Jordan Kengor each added two goals apiece in the victory.

The Raiders started the game on a 3–0 run, after two goals by Newman and one by Kengor. The Wildcats responded quickly to SU’s third goal, with a goal just 11 seconds later. The Wildcats added two more quick goals and the game was tied at three, with 10:39 left in the first half.

SU caught fire, responding with three more goals, with Alison Harclerode, Maggie Lawshe and Amanda Frank finding the back of the net. SU led 6–5 at the half.

In the second half, Gabby Spalt added her third goal of the game to tie the game once again for Wilmington, before SU once again responded with a trio of goals. Frank found the back of the net for her second goal of the game, while Fugate scored her first and second goals of the game shortly after. The Raiders led 9–6 with just over 23 minutes left to play.

Wilmington refused to go away, getting a goal from Lashay Ross, to bring the Wildcats within two. After another goal by Fugate with 15:12 left to play, SU pushed its lead back up to three.

The Wildcats made one final push, as Ross and Auryonah Nash, each scoring goals to cut the Raider lead to just one with 5:54 left.

The Raiders refused to let the lead slip away however, registering three unanswered goals, to put the game away. A goal by Frank with four seconds left to play was the final blow in the 13–9 win.

Defensively, Makenzie Magnotta and Annemarie Cericola kept Wilmington on its heels, as both totaled five groundballs and three caused turnovers. Max Barkley led SU with seven draw controls.

In goal for SU, Bridgette Morrissey played the first half, making four saves. Laney Ballard was in the net in the second half for SU, allowing four goals while earning the win.

SU will look to improve to 2–0 when it opens its home schedule with a game against Shepherd University. The game is set to begin at 4 p.m. at Robb Sports Complex.