Women’s lacrosse team falls to Wittenberg, 18-3, in season-opener

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Olivet College women's lacrosse team fell to Wittenberg (Ohio) University, 18-3, in its season-opener this afternoon at the Edwards-Maurer Field in Springfield, Ohio.

The Tigers led 3-0 before the Comets scored their first goal. Freshman Kaylee Liddle (Clarkston) won a draw control after the third goal. Wittenberg then committed a foul, resulting in a free-position attempt for sophomore Geri Merrell (Battle Creek/Lakeview), and she buried the shot into the goal. The Tigers came back with 10 straight goals. Sophomore Taylor Guarnaccia (East Lansing/Haslett) scored Olivet's second goal with only seven seconds left before halftime.

Wittenberg scored five minutes into the second half. Sophomore Mimi Garza (Battle Creek/Pennfield) found the back of the net for the Comets' third goal in the ninth minute of the second half. The Tigers scored the final four goals of the game.

Olivet was efficient as all three of their shot attempts went into the goal. Merrell also picked-up a team-leading four groundballs. Sophomore keeper Sarah Shaw (Grand Haven) faced 34 shots and made 10 saves.

The Comets will host Trine (Ind.) University for their home-opener Sunday afternoon. Game time at the Cutler Athletic Complex is 1 p.m.