ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern University Women's Lacrosse used a dominant performance on draw controls, crisp passing, and efficient shooting to power past Centenary University 20-8 on Saturday afternoon at Olson Field.
Natalia Willoughby led the attack with seven goals, while
Morgan Wallace orchestrated the offense with six assists and three goals as the Eagles (2-4) controlled the game from the start.
Fast Start Fueled by Draw Control Dominance & Passing Precision
Eastern set the tone early, winning 5-of-7 draw controls in the first quarter and 8-of-10 in the second. The extra possessions led directly to scoring chances, as the Eagles outshot the Cyclones 10-3 in the second frame and poured in eight goals before halftime to take a commanding 12-3 lead at the break.
"Our draw control group really got after it today," Head Coach
Mikala Gillespie said. "Natalia, Morgan, and Gracie all did great work to get us extra possessions."
Eastern's attack not only capitalized on those opportunities but did so with precise ball movement, recording 11 assists on their 20 goals. Wallace, in particular, played a pivotal role in distributing the ball, consistently finding open teammates in dangerous scoring positions. The Eagles closed the first half on a high note, scoring twice in the final minute to push their lead to nine. Willoughby netted her fifth of the day off a well-placed feed from Wallace, and
Gracie Horton followed seconds later, finishing a quick passing sequence that started from behind the net.
Willoughby scored from Horton early in the third, but the clock did not start running for good until Willoughby converted a free position shot with an extra player with 12 minutes left.
Wallace and Horton Shine in Offensive Showcase
Wallace dominated the offensive flow, setting up six different goals and scoring three of her own.
Gracie Horton added four goals and two assists, while
Ava Weiman also found the net four times, keeping Centenary's defense under pressure all afternoon.
Despite a four-goal effort from Centenary's Nora Dornich, Eastern's defense held firm, forcing 27 turnovers and limiting the Cyclones to just five second-half goals. The first year midfielder scored five of her seven goals after halftime.
Defensive Standouts Key to Victory
While Eastern's offense controlled possession, the Eagles' defense made sure Centenary had limited opportunities.
Addyson Whitaker led the way with five ground balls and six caused turnovers, constantly disrupting passing lanes and forcing mistakes.
Morgan Wallace played a key two-way role, adding four ground balls and three caused turnovers alongside her offensive production.
Laynie Casey and
Erin Speak also contributed, forcing two turnovers each.
In goal,
Natasha Chaillou came up with five saves, keeping the Cyclones from gaining momentum and helping Eastern secure its second win of the season. Centenary (4-1) had outscored its previous four opponents, 66-12.
Top Scorers
Eastern will look to build on the victory when it travels to Stockton next Wednesday.
