WILLIAMSBURG — Propelled by a balanced attack in which nine different William & Mary players scored and Ainsley Huizenga’s single-game school-record-tying six assists, the Tribe lacrosse team earned an impressive 17-11 victory against VCU at Martin Family Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Although VCU (2-4) led 6-3 early in the second quarter, W&M (2-3) charged ahead with a 9-0 run and held the Rams scoreless for more than 17 minutes during the pivotal stretch. Anna Dawson scored two of her career-high six goals during the game-changing run, while Finley Hoffman and Kate Draddy also found the back of the cage twice during the span. Three of Huizenga’s six assists also came during the stretch.
VCU briefly narrowed the margin to four at 12-8 midway through the third quarter, but the Tribe responded with a 3-0 spurt to take its biggest lead of the game. The Rams were unable to get closer than five during the remainder of the contest, as W&M secured the lopsided non-conference victory.
In addition to her six assists, Huizenga also scored once for a career-high seven points to go with two ground balls and a caused turnover.
Dawson’s career-high six goals came on just eight shots, while Paige Gilbert totaled five points (2g, 3a) with a career-best nine draw controls — an impressive figure that ranks tied for fifth in school history — three ground balls and a caused turnover.
Draddy (2g, 1a) and Kienzle Piper (1g, 2a) added three points apiece.
Defensively, Claire Doto registered two caused turnovers with four ground balls, while Anna Armstrong finished with four ground balls and a caused turnover.
Goalie Marin Wilhelm tallied nine saves and allowed just six goals during the final 45 minutes of action.
W&M outshot VCU, 27-25, which included a 21-20 edge in attempts on goal.
The Tribe also owned an advantage in ground balls, 20-17, and committed one fewer turnover, 15-16.
Both teams secured 16 draw controls apiece.
Rachel Koeneke led the Rams with four points, while Sam Palmer (2g, 1a) and Ashley Karn (3a) contributed three points apiece.
W&M will return to action when it continues its non-conference slate at High Point on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
