WILLIAMSBURG — The William & Mary lacrosse team concluded its non-conference slate with a thrilling 13-12 victory against Longwood at Martin Family Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The contest was knotted at 9-9 late in the third quarter, but W&M (4-5) pulled ahead with four unanswered goals to build a comfortable advantage with 11:04 remaining. Longwood (2-5) held W&M scoreless the rest of the way, however, and gradually chipped away at the margin before a goal by Riley McDonald with 3:09 cut the lead to just one.
The Lancers had two opportunities to tie the score in the closing minute, but W&M goalie Marin Wilhelm saved a free position attempt by Mikaela Cook with 35 seconds remaining and Ariana Tucci’s shot as time expired hit the dirt and bounced wide of the goal.
Although Longwood got on the scoreboard first, it was the Lancers’ only lead of the contest as W&M responded with six unanswered goals in a span of less than six minutes and never trailed again.
LU mounted its comeback bid by limiting W&M to just three goals during the second and third quarters and eventually drew even at 9-9 late in the third frame.
Tribe Standouts
Kate Draddy led W&M with a hat trick, five draw controls and a caused turnover, while Finley Hoffman added three points (2g, 1a) and two ground balls. Two of Draddy’s three goals came during the pivotal 4-0 run in the second half that helped W&M pull away for the win.
Maresa Moyer and Paige Gilbert also came up big offensively with two goals apiece, while Lauren Rothstein registered two points (1g, 1a). Gilbert added five draw controls, while Ainsley Huizenga recorded a goal with four draw controls.
Jaylin Locke led W&M defensively with four caused turnovers and two ground balls.
Inside the Numbers
W&M outshot Longwood, 31-24, which included a 22-16 margin in shots on goal.
The Tribe also owned a 17-11 advantage in draw controls, while both teams totaled 16 ground balls.
W&M committed four fewer turnovers that Longwood.
The Opposition
Riley McDonald led the Lancers with a game-high five goals on five shots, while Ariana Tucci (3g) and Sophia Passa (2g) also scored multiple times.
Miranda Helfenbein tallied a team-high five draw controls with two caused turnovers.
Goalie Cybella Smith came off the bench and played the final 51 minutes, as she posted seven saves and a .500 save percentage.
Notes
W&M improves to 22-2 all-time against Longwood … The Tribe improves to 6-1 in one-goal games during the last two seasons.
Up Next
W&M will return to action when it begins its conference slate at Hofstra and Monmouth next weekend.
