Eastern University women's lacrosse jumped to an early lead and never looked back on the way to a 16-8 win over Manhattanville College on a rain-soaked Olson Field Wednesday. Senior Midfielder Jessie Basch became the third Eastern women's lacrosse player to reach the 300 career point total with five goals and a pair of assists.

Senior midfielder Erin Reimel started the action with two goals in the opening three minutes. Kristin Brownett controlled the opening draw and threw ahead to Reimel in the attacking zone for her seventh of the year just 28 seconds into the game. Reimel picked up her second of the day on a free position effort just two and a half minutes later.

Moments later, Basch scored her first of the day and the Eagles controlled the ensuing draw and scored in transition when Reimel set up Grace Griffith for her first of four on the afternoon. Five minutes later Griffith put away her second of the day to put the Eagles up 5-0.

The Valiants got on the board with 19:29 to play after Cybil Robinson intercepted a ball in the Eastern zone, ran the ball into the attack, and set up Abbe Grimes for her 39th goal of the year. Manhattanville controlled the draw and Cassie Kovac scored the second Valiant goal of the day to cut the Eastern lead to 5-2. Five minutes later, Katie Bertel scored her first of three goals on the day to pull the visitors to 5-3 with 13:43 on the clock.

The Eastern defense dug in, and Basch provided a pass to Katie Choquette on the doorstep to increase the Eastern lead to 6-3. Basch put away her second of the day with 6:21 showing on the clock, and Reimel completed her hat trick two minutes later on a feed from Choquette. Coach Azzarano's squad went to the shelter of the locker room up 8-3. The Eagles held a commanding 19-9 edge in first-half shots.

Eastern built the lead to 16-5 as Kristin Brownett, Choquette, and Erin Fires had single goals, Griffith scored twice, and Basch added three in the first 24 minutes of the second half. Basch reached her milestone with 6:04 on the clock on a feed from the left side from Griffith. 

Neither Basch nor Azzarano was aware of the accomplishment until after the game, but both were pleased to learn of the accomplishment. Basch is Eastern's career leader in assists with 133. She trails former teammate Kate Hoy (364 points) and NCAA All-time goal leader Andrea Collesidis (406 points) on the career list. She is fifth on the Eastern career list with 167 goals.

Eastern goalie Kim Campbell made nine saves and allowed just five goals in the opening 55 minutes of the game to earn the win in goal. 

The Eagles improve to 3-2 in MAC play. They will return to action Saturday afternoon at King's College.

Box Score