WLAX Falls In Opener vs. Rhode Island College

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College women's lacrosse team lost its season opener by a 19-5 final against Rhode Island College on Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action at Alumni Field.

Tess Bradley scored six goals and added two assists as the Anchorwomen picked up their first win of the season. Betsy Heidel chipped in with four goals and three assists while Allison Smedberg contributed three scores. Goalkeeper Julia Eaton made seven saves against 15 shots.

Ashley Murtha paced Mitchell with four goals while Kate McCormack added a late score. Goalkeeper Gillian MacLellan finished with eight saves in her collegiate debut.

RIC jumped on top quickly, potting four goals in the opening 4:39 to seize control. Bradley played a part in all four scores, tallying three times while assisting on a goal by Heidel.

Murtha got Mitchell on the scoreboard with an unassisted effort at the 24:21 mark, but RIC responded with the next three goals to go up 7-1. Murtha scored three more times before the end of the half, but Mitchell fell into a deeper hole as the stanza wore down. Smedberg scored in the final seconds of the half to give the Anchorwomen a 12-4 lead at the break.

Mitchell's hopes of a comeback took a hit in the opening minutes of the second half as Murtha picked up her second yellow card and had to sit the final 27:51. RIC took advantage and scored seven straight goals, with Bradley adding a pair during the stretch. A late goal by McCormack kept the Mariners from being shut out in the half. 

Mitchell (0-1 overall) will next play at Regis College on Saturday, March 25 at noon. Rhode Island College (1-4 overall) returns to action at Becker College on Saturday at 1 p.m.