Ohio Wesleyan Downs Fitchburg State, 21-12

Burns notches five goals in collegiate debut

AUBURNDALE, Fla. (March 9, 2009) - The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team suffered a season opening setback to Ohio Wesleyan, 21-12 in a non-conference match this afternoon at the "Spring Fling" in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Ohio Wesleyan junior Hannah Mudge (Baltimore, Md./St. Paul's) led all scorers with a game-high eight points on seven goals and one assist, while junior Marlowe Mavian (Columbus, Ohio/Wellington) added four tallies and one helper. Junior Haleigh Rohr (Nelson, N.H./Northfield Mt. Hermon) contributed three goals and one assists for the Battling Bishops.

 Freshman Amanda Burns (Weymouth, Mass./Weymouth) led the Fitchburg State attack with a team-high five points on five goals, while junior Emily Swan (Franklin, Mass./Franklin) added one score and four assists. Junior Tori D'Amato (Hampden, Mass./Merrimack) added three goals for the Falcons.

Fitchburg State jumped out to an early 1-0 lead with a goal right off the opening draw, but Ohio Wesleyan rallied back to take a 3-1 lead. The Falcons responded three consecutive goals, taking a 4-3 lead with 19:30 left in the first half.

The Falcons still led, 7-5, after Burns scored with 13:33 to play in the half when Ohio Wesleyan started its comeback. Scores by Rohr and Mudge tied the game at 7-7 before junior midfielder Jessica Copeland (Ligonier, Pa./Foxcroft) scored less than a minute later to put the Bishops ahead to stay. Senior attacker Tara Porter (North Quincy, Mass./Berkshire School) and Rohr followed with goals to give Ohio Wesleyan a 10-7 cushion.

After Ohio freshman attacker Lena Knofler (Portland, Ore./St. Mary's Academy) and Burns traded goals to open the second half, the Bishops reeled off four unanswered goals to secure the victory. Mudge led the attack with two scores while Rohr and freshman midfielder Kelsey Countryman (Fenton, Mo./Rockwood Summit) added single goals during the run.

Freshman Liz Searfos (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) made seven saves during the first 43 minutes for Ohio, while freshman Lauren Figy (Westfield, Mass.) had two saves over the final 16 minutes. Senior Jen Astrella (Auburn, Mass./Auburn) went the distance in the Fitchburg State goal, collecting 12 saves.

Fitchburg State (0-1, 0-0 NEWLA) will be in action tomorrow as it takes on Emerson College at 10 a.m. Ohio Wesleyan (1-0, 0-0) will battle Stevenson College tomorrow at 5 p.m.

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