Maggie Defanti and Holly McHugh scored two goals apiece to lead Colorado College to a 14-3 victory over Lycoming College in a neutral-site game on Monday afternoon.
Twelve different players scored for CC during the game that was played in a steady rain at the University of Dallas. Three-quarters of an inch of rain fell before the game, turning the field into a virtual swamp.
“Our upperclassmen led the team with excellent communication and set the standard for hustle and desire we want throughout the season,” head coach Susan Stuart said. “The freshman played with great intensity and with no reservations. I would love to give props to the entire team for their performance both days.”
The game started slowly as both teams adjusted to the treacherous conditions, with McHugh scoring the only goal during the opening 10 minutes.
Lycoming's Megan McIntyre tied the game with 19:03 remaining in the first half with the first of her two goals, but the Tigers took the lead for good nearly five minutes later when Claire Draudt and Kristin Rider each found the net in a span of 29 seconds.
After McIntyre pulled the Lady Warriors to within one goal on a free-position shot with 10:40 to play, Defanti scored what proved to be the first game-winning goal of her career just over five minutes later.
CC broke the game open by tacking on the first five goals of the second half. Lycoming's Justine Titko stopped the run with 13:08 to play with a free-position goal, but the Tigers struck for five more markers during the final 11 minutes to close out the scoring.
Anna Crosby and Kate Krieger scored their first career goals for Colorado College.
Abby Fink made seven saves on 10 shots during 47 minutes of action between the pipes and improved to 2-0. Two of the three goals surrendered by Fink came on free-position shots. Valerie Cranmer stopped the only two shots she faced in relief.
Kristin Rider led the defensive effort with four ground balls and three caused turnovers, while Bailey Terhune also grabbed three ground balls.
Brittany Bryan had 13 saves on 27 shots for the Lady Warriors.
The Tigers improved to 2-0 while the Lady Warriors dropped to 0-2.
“It was fantastic to have Marisa McGrann back on the field after two years,” Stuart said. “She really organized the offense well and got people working together from the start. Gioia Garden was our emotional leader over the weekend keeping people excited and focused the entire time.”
Colorado College makes its first home appearance of the season on Saturday against the University of Colorado club team.
