Murtha Sets NCAA Record as WLAX Falls at Bay Path

LONGMEADOW, Mass. – It was a day for national and program records at Ryan Field as the Bay Path University women's lacrosse team claimed a 26-16 victory over Mitchell College in New England Collegiate Conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The 26 goals established a Bay Path program record, eclipsing the previous high of 22 goals in a 22-2 victory over Dean College in this year's season opener on March 9. 

The Wildcats were led by 10 goals from Kaylee Herring, who surpassed teammate Elena Helming's previous single-game record of nine set in a 12-10 loss to Albertus Magnus in 2016.

Not to be outdone, Mitchell's Ashley Murtha set an NCAA Division III record, becoming the first player in history to score 15 goals in a single game. Murtha's 15-goal performance topped the previous record of 14 set by Ann Clark of Worcester State in 2004 and matched by Hillary Kargl of Augustana (Ill.) in 2012.  

Only one other NCAA women's lacrosse player has scored 15 goals in a game, as Nyack's Lauren Lebo set the Division II single-game mark in 2016. The Division I record is 12.

For Bay Path, Helming and Dallas Jackson added six goals apiece, while Brenna Roy scored three and Elizabeth Pavlidis chipped in one. Herring and Roy each led the Wildcats with two assists apiece, while Helming and Megan McKenna each added one helper.

Willeen Pun scored the only other Mitchell goal and was credited with the Mariners' only assist.

Apart from her record-setting performance on offense, Murtha led all players with nine ground balls, 12 draw controls and five caused turnovers.

Bay Path's Kristina Tran registered 10 saves, while Mitchell netminder Gillian MacLellan made eight. The Wildcats outshot the Mariners 39-32, while Mitchell held a 12-8 advantage in ground balls and a narrow 20-19 edge in draw controls.

The Wildcats (3-6 overall, 2-5 NECC) return to action on Thursday, April 20 at Newbury College at 4:00 p.m. Next up for Mitchell (2-6 overall, 1-5 NECC) is a conference match-up at Daniel Webster College on Saturday, April 22 at noon.