Women’s Lacrosse Suffers Lopsided Loss vs. No. 16 Dowling in ECC Season Opener

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia women's lacrosse team took a 1-0 lead less than a minute into the action, but surrendered 20 unanswered goals in a lopsided, 20-1 loss vs. No. 16 nationally-ranked Dowling College in both teams' East Coast Conference opener Saturday night at Georgetown University's Cooper Field.

Freshman Amy Rock scored her 7^th goal of the season at the 29:11 mark on UDC's first shot of the night after senior midfielder Amber Walls won the opening draw control, but that would be the only goal of the night for the Firebirds, who fell to 1-3 (0-1 ECC) with tonight's loss.

Dowling, which improved to 3-1 (1-0 ECC) with the win, was led by Emma Ferreira's game-high four goals and one assist. Attack Brooke Kreuscher and midfielder Allie Merrill each netted a hat trick, and six other Golden Lions scored at least one goal.

The visitors outshot UDC, 32-2, had 14 fewer turnovers (25-11), doubled-up the Firebirds 16-8 in ground balls, were 13-of-15 on clear attempts, and were a perfect 3-of-3 on free-position shots. UDC won the draw control battle, 13-10, with Walls winning six for the Firebirds, and junior Dani Falco had five saves for the Firebirds between the pipes.

Next up, UDC will visit regional foe Chestnut Hill on Thursday, March 17^th at 4 p.m.