NEWS

Paige Doyle, senior Wildcat keeper in the game vs. Saint Joseph’s.

DAVIDSON, N.C. – For the first time since 2015, and just the second time ever, the Davidson Wildcats defeated Saint Joseph’s 10-9 in Atlantic 10 lacrosse action on Saturday afternoon.

In a game that took all 60 minutes to determine its winner, the Wildcats ultimately outscored the Hawks 6-3 in the second half despite trailing 6-4 at the halftime break. Senior goalkeeper Paige Doyle proved to be clutch for the ‘Cats, making six stops in cage over the final 30 minutes of the contest.

With the win, Davidson improves to 5-2 in A-10 play, while the Hawks drop to 4-3. The result also puts the Wildcats firmly in third place in the league’s standings with two games remaining in the regular season.

Saint Joseph’s took its final lead of the contest with 12:33 left to play, after Maddie Yoder’s third goal of the game made it 8-7. From there, Allie Hartnett and Julianne Carey created back-to-back, mirror-like moments of chaos that all but sealed the deal for Davidson.

Nearly four minutes apart, the two Wildcats caused Saint Joe’s turnovers and created their own offense to score unassisted goals that tied the game and later put Davidson in front 9-8 with 2:34 to go. With 70 seconds remaining, Riley Cochrane fed Lauren Garcia from behind the goal with a quick pass that proved to be the ultimate game-winner.

Saint Joseph’s put Davidson on its heels late in the first half, scoring five straight goals, including a shutout second quarter, to take its two-goal lead at the break. Jenna Skibbe and Josie Lambert kept the ‘Cats in play with a pair of goals apiece during the first 15-minute frame, and each recorded a hat trick with two minutes to go in the third quarter, settling the score at 6-6.

The Hawks responded with 90 seconds left with their seventh of the day, before Carey got her first of the game to make it 7-all with 15 minutes left to play.

Overall, the Hawks won 13 out of 22 draw controls, while the ‘Cats evened Saint Joe’s in shots with 24 apiece. Doyle and Kayla Joyce combined for 12 saves, while the defense created 13 turnovers and went a perfect 20-of-20 on clear attempts.

Up Next
The Wildcats will play their final home game of the 2024 season next Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m. against St. Bonaventure. Saturday will also serve as a formal dedication of the brand new Davidson College Stadium. Davidson football’s spring game will follow, beginning at approximately 4 p.m.