RADFORD, Va. -- A six-goal outing from
Margaret Gleason combined with a first-quarter hat trick from
Ashlyn Grogan highlighted the Radford University women's lacrosse team's victory over visiting Kennesaw State on Wednesday afternoon. The Highlanders scored five of the contest's six opening-period goals en route to a lead that they never surrendered.
Grogan put Radford on the board early, scoring within the first four minutes of the game. Just over thirty seconds later,
Linley Tirrell found the back of the net to double the Highlanders' advantage. An unassisted goal from
Mady Cheney split up a pair of additional scores from Grogan as Radford jumped out to their largest lead of the day after the first 15 minutes of play.
Gleason opened her scoring efforts in the second frame. The senior recorded a pair of goals in the second quarter, as she did in the third and fourth as well. While both teams registered three goals apiece in the period, it was Grogan who scored last in the half. The Williamsburg, Va. native added her fourth goal of the game with just a few seconds remaining in the quarter to give Radford an 8-4 lead at the break.
As she did in the second, Gleason scored the first goal of the third quarter. Kennesaw State fought back, however, scoring the next four goals to trim the Highlanders' advantage to just one. A timely goal from Gleason bookended the Owls' rally and gave Radford a two-goal advantage entering the final period.Â
The two squads once again traded punches in the final frame, but it was Radford that threw the first and ultimately deciding blow. Gleason's final two goals of the day were accompanied by an insurance goal from
Reece Morrish to put the home side up 13-9. The Owls flurried for the final two goals of the contest but it was not enough as the Highlanders earned their first victory of the season.Â
Gleason's six goals were a game-high while Grogan posted a season-high eight points via four goals and four assists. Tirrell, Cheney and Morrish each added one goal apiece.
River Rupert contributed with a pair of assists.
Olivia Hunter maintained her solid form between the pipes, recording 11 saves in the game.
UP NEXT
Radford will have over a week off as they enjoy the rest of spring break. The Highlanders will return to action at Clemson on Sunday, March 19 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.
