WLAX Drops NECC Opener at Elms

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- The Mitchell College women's lacrosse team showed the rust of a 22-day layoff in a 19-4 loss to Elms College in Tuesday night's New England Collegiate Conference opener at Leary Field.

Lindsey Fairbank netted her first hat trick of the season to pace the Mariners, who fell to 0-7 overall (0-1 NECC). She also finished with four draw controls and four caused turnovers.

Fairbank scored less than five minutes into the contest to give Mitchell its only lead at 1-0. The Blazers responded with four straight tallies--including three from Elise Paier--to surge into the lead for good. 

The Mariners pulled to within 5-3 behind scores by Daniella Holland and Fairbank midway through the period, but Elms rallied for nine consecutive goals in the final 12:16 of the half.

The Blazers outscored the Mariners 5-1 over the final 30 minutes to cruise to the win. Fairbank completed the hat trick with an unassisted effort with 14:41 remaining.

Mitchell goalie Ashley Holdridge finished with eight saves against 27 shots on goal.

Mitchell will next play at Becker College on Thursday, April 15 at 4 p.m.