SPORTS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson Wildcats improved to 2-0 in Atlantic 10 league play on Sunday afternoon, defeating the George Mason Patriots with a dominant 18-9 victory from inside Richardson Stadium.

Reigning A-10 Player of the Week Erin Cooke had another superior performance, recording three goals and three assists to match a game-high six points with teammate Lauren Arkell (3G, 3A). Fellow junior Grace Fahey added a game-high five goals, while freshman Riley Cochrane and sophomore Sophia Passalaqua each recorded the first goals of their respective careers.

The Wildcats jumped out to a strong start, taking a 4-1 lead after 10 minutes of play, thanks to scores from Cooke, Arkell and Emily Weld.

George Mason would cut its deficit to one goal, 5-4, with 10:41 to go in the half, but Davidson’s offense burst into a 6-0 scoring run to lead 11-4 at the break, including two back-to-back rifles from Emma Johnson and Fahey that stunned the Patriots’ defense. 

With the ‘Cats out scoring George Mason 5-1 in the third quarter, Davidson had built to an 11-goal advantage, 16-5, and earned a running clock for the remainder of the match.

On the defensive end, the ‘Cats held George Mason to just 10-14 on clear attempts, while Hayden Callahan and Noelle Cegielski each caused two turnovers. Overall, Davidson’s defense forced the Patriots into 17 turnovers, causing eight. Netminder Amanda Monahan picked up her sixth win of the season in net, making seven saves.

Up Next
Davidson will continue A-10 play next weekend, on the road, taking on Saint Joseph’s and La Salle in Philadelphia.