FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist women's lacrosse battled through cold and rainy conditions Sunday afternoon but could not withstand a late push from Virginia Wesleyan University, falling 12–6 in non-conference action inside Monarch Stadium.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Virginia Wesleyan def. Methodist, 12–6
Records: Methodist 1-2, Virginia Wesleyan 1-1
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- With the weather playing a factor early, both offenses needed time to settle in. Methodist struck first when senior Brooke Murrell found the back of the cage to open scoring. The Marlins answered just 38 seconds later as Kenna Duplechin evened the contest at 1–1.
- The second quarter featured momentum swings from both sides. Reese Morgenthaler sparked Virginia Wesleyan with back-to-back goals to put the visitors ahead 3–1. The Monarchs responded emphatically with three consecutive scores — Rylie Sturgill, Layla Wiesenfeld, and Amadis Levasa each found the net — giving Methodist a 4–3 advantage.
- Virginia Wesleyan closed the half strong, netting three goals in the final two minutes to reclaim control and carry a 6–4 lead into the break.
- Out of halftime, Morgenthaler and Duplechin scored just 15 seconds apart to extend the Marlins' edge to 8–4. Sturgill answered for Methodist midway through the third quarter, scoring twice to trim the deficit to 8–6 and keep the Monarchs within striking distance.
- That would be as close as Methodist would get. Virginia Wesleyan held the Monarchs scoreless the rest of the way while adding four insurance goals to secure the 12–6 victory.
FAST FACTS
- Sturgill led Methodist with a team-high three goals.
- Levasa and Murrell each recorded one goal and one assist.
- Freshman Abigail Fritzsche posted a career-high three caused turnovers to pace the defensive effort.
- Sophomore goalkeeper Amelia Fuentes made her first start as a Monarch, tallying a season-best six saves.
UP NEXT
Methodist looks to bounce back Wednesday, February 25, with a 6 PM road matchup at Guilford College.
