WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William & Mary lacrosse team earned an impressive 17-11 victory against Monmouth at Martin Family Stadium on Monday afternoon.
 
Although W&M (5-5, 1-2) led by just two, 10-8, entering the fourth quarter, it outscored the Hawks 7-3 during the final 15 minutes of action en route to earning the conference win.
 
Things looked good for the Tribe early as it jumped out to a 5-1 advantage in the first quarter, as Anna Dawson led the early scoring output and recorded a hat trick midway through the opening stanza.
 
Although Monmouth (3-8, 0-3) scored first in the second quarter, W&M closed the half with a 3-1 run to take an 8-3 lead at the intermission. Sophia Chiodo Ortiz ignited the stretch as she scored the first two of her career-high four goals during the run.  
 
The Hawks answered with a quick 3-0 run of their own following halftime to draw within 8-6 with 10:42 showing in the third quarter. While both teams traded goals multiple times during the remainder of the quarter, W&M maintained a multi-score lead the rest of the way and broke the game open during the pivotal closing stretch.
 
Chiodo Ortiz's career-high four goals, coming on just five shots, led a balanced attack for W&M as nine different players found the back of the cage.
 
In addition to Chiodo Ortiz and Dawson, who finished with three goals on four shots, Paige Gilbert also recorded a hat trick and posted four points (3g, 1a) with four draw controls.
 
Ainsley Huizenga also came up big with three points (1g, 2a), while Finley Hoffman (2g), Kate Draddy (1g, 1a, 3dc) and Maresa Moyer (1g, 1a, 2ct) added two points apiece.  
 
Claire Doto totaled career highs in caused turnovers (3) and draw controls (6) to go with three ground balls, while goalie Marin Wilhelm posted 11 saves and a .500 save percentage. Jaylin Locke and Molly Delaney also helped anchor a strong defensive effort with two caused turnovers apiece.
 
W&M outshot MU, 36-28, which included a 29-22 margin in attempts on goal.
 
The Tribe owned a 21-13 advantage in ground balls and committed three fewer turnovers (11-14).
 
Both teams tallied 15 draw controls apiece, but W&M won seven of 10 during the decisive fourth quarter.
 
Shea Bergian and Caroline Brennan led the Hawks with three goals apiece, while Caleigh Shore posted a game-high nine draw controls.
 
The Tribe will return to action when it plays at No. 19 Stony Brook on Sunday at noon.