WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William & Mary lacrosse team opened its Colonial Athletic Association slate with a thrilling 13-12 victory against Hofstra at Martin Family Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
Although Hofstra (3-6, 0-1) owned a narrow 2-1 edge late in the first quarter, W&M (4-4, 1-0) broke the game open with an 8-0 run to lead 9-2 midway through the second frame.
 
The Pride responded with three unanswered goals, but W&M found the cage twice in the final minute of the second quarter to lead 11-5 at halftime.
 
Hofstra closed the contest with six of the final seven goals to narrow the gap to just one in the final minute, but after securing the final draw control with less than 30 seconds remaining it was unable to put a shot on frame.
 
Tribe Standouts
London Simonides equaled a career high with six points (3g, 3a) to lead W&M offensively, while Kate Draddy, Sydney Witwer and Maresa Moyer all scored two goals apiece.
 
Defensively, Caroline Hertzberg posted three caused turnovers and four ground balls to go with two draw controls, while goalie Elise Palmer recorded 11 saves.
 
Sarah Cipolla and Ainsley Huizenga were outstanding on the draw circle and tallied seven and five draw controls, respectively. Cipolla also added four ground balls.
 
Inside the Numbers
W&M owned a 15-14 edge in draw controls, while Hofstra held a 22-17 advantage in ground balls.
 
The Pride outshot the Tribe, 32-28, and committed five fewer turnovers (12-17).
 
Eight different W&M players scored at least one goal.  

The Opposition
Kerry Walser led Hofstra with four goals, while Rachel Graff added four points (3g, 1a).
 
Courtney Carollo registered a team-high four draw controls.
 
Up Next
W&M will return to its non-conference slate when it plays at Longwood on Wednesday at 5 p.m.