Lyons run past Seahawks, 19-9

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Freshman Charlotte DeSantis (Darien, Conn.) scored seven goals and junior Hailey Colburn (Concord, N.H.) potted six to lead the Wheaton (Mass.) College women's lacrosse team to a 19-9 win over Salve Regina University in the season opener for both squads Saturday afternoon at Gaudet Field.

Sophomore Kristen Palmer (East Dorset, Vt.) added three goals and senior Tess Meyer (Concord, N.H.) dished out a pair of assists as the Lyons (1-0) improved to 4-0 all-time against Salve Regina (0-1).

Sophomore Kelly Burke (Georgetown, Mass.) paced the Seahawks with three goals while senior Nicole Viola (Scarborough, Maine) and freshman Kayla Sheehan (Pomfret, Conn.) each added two. Sophomore Megan Clancy (Chelmsford, Mass.) also netted her first collegiate goal in the loss.

The Lyons raced out to a 5-0 lead and led 13-2 at the break behind four goals each from DeSantis and Colburn. Wheaton (Mass.) outshot the Seahawks 22-13 in the opening half despite losing the ground ball battle, 24-17.

Wheaton (Mass.) opened the second half by scoring three of the first four goals to take a 16-4 lead, but the Seahawks reeled off the next five to close the gap to 16-8 with just under 10 minutes remaining in regulation. Burke and Viola each scored twice for the Seahawks to spark the run. However, the Lyons answered by scoring three of the next four goals to put the game out of reach.

Senior Marianna Marcellino (Milton, Mass.) started in goal for the Lyons and made nine saves, including several on free position shots. Junior Natalie Balletta (Leominster, Mass.) made four saves in defeat for Salve Regina.

The Seahawks return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Eastern Connecticut State for a 4 p.m. contest. The Lyons don't play again until March 15 when they face Geneseo State in Lake Buena Vista, Florida at 8 p.m.