Highlanders Come Up Short in Lacrosse Season Opener

Friday, February 10

Greenville, N.C.

1:00 PM

Radford University

0-1

East Carolina

1-0

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
23RAD	0	2	2	1	5
East Carolina	4	2	5	4	15

Highlanders Come Up Short in Lacrosse Season Opener

2/10/2023 6:19:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. -- The Radford University women's lacrosse team opened up its 2023 campaign with a hard-fought battle at East Carolina on Friday afternoon. ECU picked up the 15-5 victory behind a strong start and close to the game that proved to be the difference despite a pair of second half goals from Linley Tirrell.

ECU jumped out to an early lead after netting the first four goals of the contest. Radford responded in the start of the second frame via Ashlyn Grogan who tallied the Highlanders' first goal of the season.

The two sides battled for the duration of the second period with each side having spurts of possession. Freshman Mady Cheney registered her first collegiate goal before the opening half came to an end. The deficit remained at four as the Pirates held a 6-2 advantage at the break.

After the intermission, Cheney continued to make an impact in her debut when she assisted Reece Morrish for Radford's third goal of the day. Three consecutive goals from the Pirates gave ECU an 11-3 advantage. The Highlanders continued to fight, however, as Tirrell closed the third period with her first goal of the day.

Tirrell found the back of the net for the second time, scoring midway through the fourth to trim the Pirates' lead to seven. Radford continued to press but another 3-0 run from the home side ultimately put the game away.

The trio of Morrish, Tirrell and Cheney combined for 11 of Radford's 15 shots in the contest. Olivia Hunter recorded a strong start to the year, picking up 15 saves in goal.

UP NEXT
The Highlanders will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 18 when they host Old Dominion in their first home game of the season. That contest will start at 12:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S LACROSSE
To follow the Radford women's lacrosse team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordWLAX on Twitter, @radfordwlax on Instagram and Radford Women's Lacrosse on Facebook.