Women's LAX Eliminated From NECC Championship by Wheelock

BOSTON - In the first round of the New England Collegiate Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship, fourth-seeded Wheelock College cruised to an 18-2 rout over fifth-seeded Mitchell College on Tuesday night.

The Wildcats improved to 10-7 on the season and advance to the semifinals while the Mariners closed their 2016 campaign at 5-7. Despite the loss, the Mitchell program made huge strides in only its third season, finishing with more wins (5) than the previous two years combined while qualifying for the conference's postseason tournament for the first time ever. 

Wheelock began its barrage early as Georgia Schindele slotted home a free position shot 32 seconds into the contest. That started a string of six consecutive goals before Mitchell got on the board with 7:54 remaining in the half, when Francesca Pinard converted from a free position. Still, the Wildcats closed out the stanza strong with goals from Schindele and Colleen Macdonaldto take an 8-1 advantage into the break.

The halftime lull did not slow Wheelock's attack as the home team opened the second stanza on a 7-0 spurt over the first 19 minutes. Five different players found the twine as Schindele and Emma Marrs each scored twice.

With 8:48 remaining in the contest, Mitchell's Willeen Pun made it 15-2 when she weaved through the defense and found the netting with a low shot. From there the home team closed the game in control with three more scores from the sticks of Marrs, Molly Brennan, and Schindele to secure the 18-2 victory.

The Wildcats featured seven goal scorers led by Schindele who poured in six. Macdonald led the team with seven points on four goals and three assists while Marrs tied Schindele's six with three goals and three assists. Goalie Meghan Lewis earned the win while making 13 saves.

The Mariners got a goal apiece from Pinard and Pun to lead the squad. Kate McCormack added three shots on goal. Goalie Samantha Ryan made five stops in the loss.