SPORTS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. — Behind a total-team effort, including 30 Wildcats competing in the contest, the Davidson lacrosse team trounced the George Mason Patriots, 16-4, on Sunday en route to completing the season sweep against their Atlantic 10 foe.

With the win, Davidson improves to 9-2 on the season and remains unbeaten, at 4-0, in league play.

Erin Cooke led the Wildcats’ offense for the second-straight outing, as the sophomore recorded six points off of a career-high five assists and one goal. Netminders Amanda Monahan and Katy Morris shared time to produce the win, combining for six saves and allowing just four goals.

The ‘Cats jumped out hot and never looked back, as the offense out-shot the Patriots 30-15 and the defense caused 13 turnovers for Mason. Jane DiGregorio and Sam Rippley got the scoring started for Davidson, with the two netting goals exactly three minutes apart in the opening minutes of play.

After allowing just one goal at the 23:03-mark, Davidson responded with 10 more goals in the remaining minutes of the half including a pair of goals from Lauren Arkell and Grace Fahey.

The Wildcats kept the energy high in the second half, adding four more goals to the score sheet before the end of regulation, including scores from Emily Weld and Margaret Anne Warner, who recorded their first goals of the season.

In a highly offensive matchup on Friday night, the Davidson lacrosse team controlled VCU for 60 straight minutes, as the ‘Cats defeated the Rams, 15-9, for their first win over the Atlantic 10 foe since 2017.

With the win, the Wildcats grabbed a strong grip over second place among the A-10’s Southern Division standings, improving to 3-0 in league play and 8-2 overall on the year.

Davidson jumped out early, with three quick goals in the opening five minutes of play. On unassisted opportunities, Erin Cooke, Sam Rippley and Julianne Carey all started the scoring for the ‘Cats, while Cooke went on to have a career-best night, recording seven points off four goals and three assists. Rippley, along with Gianna New, aided Cooke in the offensive surge, as the two Wildcats contributed four points apiece and combined for six draw controls.

With a 6-2 lead and 10 minutes remaining in the first, Rippley recorded her 30th goal of the season, and 92nd career point, before Cooke and Carey connected on a give-and-go pass to put Davidson up with a six-goal advantage.

The Rams kicked things up a notch in the second half, improving their offense from 12 first half shots to 17 in the second. But despite their best efforts, netminder Amanda Monahan shut down any VCU threat, coming up with 12 total saves to secure the Davidson win.

Grace Fahey, Jane DiGregorio and Olivia Carey all added to Friday’s scoresheet as well, as Fahey notched two goals and one assist for the second consecutive outing.

Davidson will return to action next weekend, hosting George Washington on Friday night before traveling to Richmond on Sunday afternoon.