HARRISONBURG, Va. – The No. 8 Gators lacrosse team (5-3) opened their American Athletic Conference play with a 14-9 loss against No. 7 James Madison University (8-1).
The game was a back and forth affair for the first three quarters, with James Madison leading 10-9 at the end of the third. James Madison’s defense held the Gators scoreless in the fourth.
With an assist in the first half, Ashley Gonzalez joined the 100 point club for her career.
Offensively, Emma LoPinto recorded a first half hat-trick and finished the day with a team-leading four goals. Danielle Pavinelli scored twice while Maggi Hall, Emily Heller and Madison Waters each had a goal of their own.
Emily Diaz led the team with five draw controls while Heller had four controls.
Hall led the way with two assists on the day, with Gonzalez notching an assist as well.
On the defensive side of the ball, goaltender Sarah Reznick led the team with four groundballs and saved six shots. LoPinto, Waters and Heller registered two groundballs each.
As a team, the Gators caused eight turnovers. Heller led the team with three forced turnovers. Catherine Flaherty and Pavinelli caused two, and Waters caused one.
The Gators return to the field on Wednesday, where they will travel to Mercer University. The game is set to begin at 3 P.M. on ESPN+.