WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William & Mary lacrosse team opened its season with an 18-6 setback against Villanova at Martin Family Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
Although W&M got on the scoreboard first with a goal by Serena Jacobs, Villanova responded by outscoring the Tribe 9-2 during the remainder of the opening half. London Simonides tallied both of the Tribe's other first half goals.
 
W&M struck first in the second half with a goal by Paige Gilbert, but the Wildcats answered with a 3-0 spurt. The Tribe countered with back-to-back scores by Sarah Cipolla and Sam Van Gieson to narrow the margin to 12-6, but that was as close as W&M would get the rest of the way.
 
Tribe Standouts
Simonides led W&M with two goals, while Cipolla totaled a team-high three points (1g, 2a) and six draw controls.
 
Gilbert added two points (1g, 1a) with a pair of draw controls and a caused turnover.
 
Jacobs found the back of the cage once and recorded a team-high four ground balls with a caused turnover, while Kate Draddy posted three ground balls in her collegiate debut.
 
Goalie Elise Palmer registered 10 saves and three ground balls.
 
Inside the Numbers
Villanova outshot W&M, 33-24, and owned a 17-10 advantage in draw controls.
 
Both teams totaled 17 ground balls apiece, while the Wildcats committed one fewer turnover (12-13).  

The Opposition
Elena Torres led VU with seven points (5g, 2a), while Caroline Curnal totaled five points (4g, 1a) and a game-high 13 draw controls.
 
Sydney Pappas also recorded a hat trick (3g, 1a), while goalie Olivia Conquest posted 10 saves and a .625 save percentage.
 
Up Next
W&M will return to action when it hosts No. 20 Richmond at Martin Family Stadium on Wednesday at 6 p.m.