Edwardsville, PA – The Mount Saint Mary College Women's Lacrosse team opened their 2024 season with a convincing 13-9 victory over Wilkes University on Saturday afternoon at Bruggeworth Field.

The Knights were led by a dominant performance from fifth-year attacker Victoria Ward, who tallied a game-high seven goals and two assists. Junior midfielder Karlie Ferrucci chipped in with two goals and an assist, while sophomore attacker Shannon McGowan added two goals and one assist.

"Total team effort today," said Head Coach Mike Lowell. "This was a long and positive preseason. The team responded to their coaches' challenges. We moved the ball well offensively and our defense worked really well as a unit."

The Mount offense wasted no time getting on the board, as freshman Delisianna Naccarato found the back of the net just 1:33 into the game. The Knights would score four more unanswered goals in the first quarter to take a commanding 5-1 lead.

Goals were traded back and forth in the second.  Wilkes would score and then the Knights would respond right away and find the net. The Knights still held a comfortable 7-3 advantage at the break.

The third quarter saw the Knights take control, as MSMC outscored Wilkes 4-1 to take a commanding 11-6 lead into the final frame. The Knights would add two more goals in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Defensively, the Knights were led by the strong play of goalies Liz Petrellese and Peyton Curley, who combined for 13 saves in the contest.

Mount Saint Mary will return to action next Saturday, March 2nd, when they host New Paltz at 1:00 pm.

Individual Leaders:

Goals: Victoria Ward (7), Karlie Ferrucci (2), Shannon McGowan (2), Julia McGrinder (1), Delisianna Naccarato (1)
Assists: Victoria Ward (2), Karlie Ferrucci (1), Shannon McGowan (1), Antonia Licardi (1), Delisianna Naccarato (1)
Saves: Liz Petrellese (9), Peyton Curley (4)
Next Up:

Who: New Paltz
When: Saturday, March 2nd
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Kaplan Field