GAINESVILLE, Va. – The William & Mary lacrosse team utilized an outstanding performance during the fourth quarter to earn a 12-10 victory against UMBC in a neutral site game at Gainesville High School on Wednesday evening.
Although W&M (6-4) trailed by a goal after three quarters, it opened the final stanza with five unanswered scores to build a commanding lead it would not relinquish.
Taylor McCall provided the final two goals to help seal the win, as she finished the contest with team highs in goals (4) and draw controls (6).
Kate Draddy also made history in the triumph by becoming the program's all-time leader in draw controls, as her five draw controls increased her career total to 179 – breaking the previous mark of 177 set by Sarah Cipolla (2020-23). The Charlotte, N.C., native also added a pair of goals – both of which came during the second half – to contribute offensively.
Although W&M jumped out to an early 4-0 lead midway through he first quarter, UMBC (6-4) closed the opening half with a 5-1 run to knot the score at intermission.
The Retrievers briefly led by as many as two goals during the third quarter before W&M charged back during the final 15 minutes to secure the non-conference victory.
In addition to McCall and Draddy,
Finley Hoffman (2g, 1a) and
Nora Begley (2g) also found the back of the cage multiple times, while
Grace Walter recorded three points (1g, 2a). Hoffman also added team highs in ground balls (4) and caused turnovers (2).
Goalie
Anna Lopez finished with a career-best 11 saves and a .524 save percentage.
W&M owned a 14-10 advantage on the draw circle and held a 17-13 margin in ground balls.
UMBC outshot the Tribe, 32-25, including an 18-16 edge in attempts on goal.
The Retrievers committed four fewer turnovers (13-17).
Emily Knapp led UMBC with six goals and three draw controls.
With the win, W&M now leads the all-time series versus UMBC, 13-1,
Additionally, the Tribe improved to 4-0 this season in games decided by two goals or less, while it has not allowed an opponent to score more than 10 goals in four consecutive games.
W&M will return to conference action when it plays at Monmouth on Saturday at 2 p.m.
