Kianna Franklin Nets a Hat Trick in UDC’s Loss to Roberts Wesleyan

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia women's lacrosse team was defeated by East Coast Conference foe Roberts Wesleyan, 22-4 at Cooper Field on Sunday afternoon.

"We started off the game strong, and we stuck to the game plan," head coach Melynda Brown said. "Playing two men down takes a toll on our girls when we are playing a fast team. Roberts is the fastest team we have faced so far, and it was just tough for our midfield to keep up."

The Firebirds fell to 1-3 overall this season and 0-2 in the ECC with today's loss while Roberts Wesleyan won its third straight game and improved to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in the ECC.

Freshman midfielder Kianna Franklin scored a season-high three goals, and senior midfielder Aaliyah Carter scored the other goal for UDC. Senior defender Dani Falco was credited with an assist on Franklin's third goal. Defensively, freshman goalkeeper Jada Foy stopped four of 26 shots faced in a complete game effort.

The Redhawks were led offensively by attack Cassley Jackowski, who registered 10 points on seven goals and three assists. Jessica Giancursio added four goals and two assists, Megan Burnham pitched in three goals and three assists, and five other RWC players scored at least one goal. Goalkeeper Shannon Knapp stopped four of eight shots faced in a complete game victory.

The Firebirds were even with Roberts Wesleyan in draw controls (14-14), they were whistled for seven fewer fouls (24-17), and they were a perfect 2-for-2 in free-position shots. The Redhawks, however, out-shot UDC, 33-10, had 11 fewer turnovers (25-14), won the ground ball battle, 27-13, and were a perfect 8-for-8 on clear attempts.

Roberts Wesleyan scored early and often in this game, racing out to a 3-0 lead in the first 31 seconds of play and ultimately extending its lead to 15-3 by halftime. The Redhawks tacked on seven more consecutive goals in the 2^nd half, and allowed just one Firebird second half goal by Franklin with 1:18 remaining.

Franklin now leads the team this season with nine points on eight goals and one assist. Falco, a four-year captain who converted to a field player after three seasons at goalkeeper, earned her first career point with an assist on Franklin's 3^rd goal.  

"We finished the game on a high note," Brown said. We are looking forward to our game against Caldwell next Thursday.