VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.  Tied 8-8 at halftime, the Monarchs' women's lacrosse team was outscored 10-2 in the second half by host Virginia Wesleyan, leading to a 18-10 non-conference defeat Saturday afternoon.

Methodist led for more than 17 minutes to start the game before taking an 8-8 tie into halftime. In the second half, it was all Marlins as they closed out the game on an 8-1 run.

Lily Eisenhart and Monti Hendrix led the Monarch attack with three goals apiece.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Virginia Wesleyan def. Methodist, 18-10
Records: Methodist 1-1, Virginia Wesleyan 2-2
Location: Lynchburg, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Marlins scored the first two goals of the second half before Hendrix was able to cut the deficit to 10-9 with a score.
• With Virginia Wesleyan holding a slim 10-9 lead early in the second half, the Marlins went on a 8-1 run, including the final five goals to cap the game.
• Kaelyn Holland scored the Monarchs' lone goal in that span. Holland's goal made it a 13-10 game but the Marlins countered with two consecutive goals scored while down a player. Ashley Campos and Marie Lerch scored the two man-down goals midway through the second half to give Virginia Wesleyan a 15-10 advantage.
• The Monarchs led 3-1 before Virginia Wesleyan tied the game at four-all and then earned its first lead with ten minutes left in the first frame. The Marlins' lead was short-lived, however, as Hendrix tied the game 18 seconds later.
• In the last five minutes, the two teams swapped goals, leading to a 8-8 intermission draw.

STAT FACTS

• The main difference in the game was the Marlins' taking 40 shots compared to just 15 for the Monarchs. Virginia Wesleyan outshot Methodist, 18-3 in the second half, reflecting the scoreboard in the final frame. The Marlins also had took seven free position shots, while the Monarchs had none.
• Virginia Wesleyan was able to take 40 shots because of a 21-10 draw control advantage.
• In addition to Eisenhart and Hendrix's three points, Sarah Ewin (three assists) and Sydney Bonner (one goal and two assists) had three points, as well.
• Mary Ellen Kelliher was kept busy in net today, with 12 saves. She also picked up a team-high four ground balls.
• Extra man opportunities usually always favors the team with the extra player but the Marlins scored three goals in man-down situations, while also scoring a goal of their own in a man-up scenario. Meanwhile, the Monarchs did score two goals in extra-man situations.
• Tori Manahan and Liza Holford led the Marlins with a combined seven goals and two assists.

UP NEXT

• The Monarchs are home in Monarch Stadium to play West Virginia Wesleyan on Friday at 1 p.m.
• It's a 24-hour turnaround for the Marlins as they stay home to play DeSales tomorrow at 1 p.m.