RICHMOND, Va. -- The Radford University women's lacrosse team hit the road for the second time this season, squaring off against in-state rival VCU. The Rams got off to a hot start, scoring eight goals in the opening frame en route to an 18-9 victory.
Radford did start to find its rhythm in the second quarter when
Margaret Gleason put the Highlanders on the board. The Brentwood, Tenn. native tallied Radford's opening goal for the second straight game.
Less than three minutes later,
Linley Tirrell scored her third goal of the season. Radford trimmed the deficit to eight before a pair of goals from Rams gave the home team a 12-2 lead at the halftime break.
The Highlanders opened the scoring in the second half after
Laura Ferko found the back of the net for the second time this year. After three consecutive goals from VCU, the duo of Gleason and Tirrell struck again.
Taylar Hackney assisted Gleason's second score of the day with just over three minutes left in the third. Tirrell then fired in her second goal of the contest with just five seconds remaining in the period.
Radford opened the final quarter in prime form, scoring four consecutive goals in a five-minute span. This time it was Gleason on the assist as she fed
Reece Morrish her first goal of the day.
Ashlyn Grogan then scored her only goal of the game before Morrish fired in another shot, this time off an assist from
Erica Lawrence, just 32 seconds later.
Mady Cheney then added her name to the scoresheet at the midway point of the fourth period to trim VCU's lead to just seven.
While the offense continues to make strides, Radford's nine goals were the most they have scored this season. Gleason led the Highlanders on the day with two goals and an assist. Tirrell and Morrish also added two goals apiece.
Olivia Hunter continued her strong start to the season, picking up 14 saves in goal.
UP NEXT
Radford has a quick turnaround as they return home to battle Xavier on Friday, Feb. 24. That non-conference contest against the Musketeers is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.
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.
