LEXINGTON, Va. – The ninth-ranked Washington and Lee women's lacrosse team delivered a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Catholic University, 18-6, at Watt Field.
The Generals (5-2) used a fast start and balanced scoring effort to pull away early, scoring five goals in the opening quarter and building a 10-2 halftime lead. Washington and Lee placed eight players in the scoring column and finished with 11 assists on its 18 goals in the non-conference victory over the Cardinals (1-3).
Game Summary
Washington and Lee set the tone early, opening the scoring at the 11:25 mark when Sophie Edwards converted a feed from Kelly Polacek. The Generals capitalized on two Catholic penalties shortly after, as Katie Reed and Hannah Van Son both scored man-up goals to extend the lead to 3-0.
Catholic answered with a goal from Henley Bredemann, but W&L closed the first quarter with strikes from Lara Baki and Betty Boatwright, taking a 5-1 advantage after the opening period.
The Generals continued to control possession in the second quarter behind strong draw play and efficient offense. Baki scored three times in the period, while Van Son and Grace Kim also found the net to push the lead to 10-2 at halftime.
Catholic mounted a brief surge early in the third quarter, scoring three of the first four goals of the period to cut the margin to 11-5. Washington and Lee quickly responded with four unanswered goals, including tallies from Kim, Polacek, and Maris Smutz, restoring a comfortable 15-5 lead heading into the fourth.
The Generals added three more goals in the final frame from Baki, Edwards, and Smutz to close out the 18-6 victory.
Individual W&L Performances
- Lara Baki led all scorers with six goals, converting on six of her eight shots.
- Sophie Edwards recorded three goals, including the game's opening tally.
- Hannah Van Son totaled five points with two goals and three assists, while also collecting three draw controls.
- Grace Kim added two goals and one assist, contributing on both ends of the field.
- Maris Smutz scored two goals, including the game's final tally.
- Emma Marsh dished out three assists and added three draw controls.
- Kelly Polacek contributed one goal and one assist while also securing four draw controls.
- Iman Haddad made seven saves in goal to earn the victory.
By The Numbers
- Washington and Lee outshot Catholic 25-17, including 21-13 in shots on goal.
- The Generals held a 15-10 advantage in draw controls.
- W&L collected 17 ground balls, compared to 13 by Catholic.
- Washington and Lee cleared successfully on 19 of 20 attempts.
- Eight different Generals scored in the game.
- W&L recorded 11 assists on 18 goals, highlighting a balanced offensive attack.
Up Next: Washington and Lee returns to action on Saturday, March 14, traveling to York College (Pa.), ranked No. 6 nationally, for a 12 p.m. non-conference matchup in York, Pa. The Generals then resume Old Dominion Athletic Conference play on Wednesday, March 18, when they visit Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., for a 7 p.m. opening draw.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
