Firebirds Fall Short 13-5 Against Alderson Broaddus

PHILIPPI, WV- The University of the District of Columbia Women's Lacrosse team put up a fight today in their season opener against Alderson Broaddus with Sophomore Kianna Franklin performing a hat trick against the Battlers but fell short in the end 13-5. 

The Firebirds (0-1, 0-0 ECC) started their season opener with 1st year Head Coach Cassandra Haase and 1st year Assistant Coach Zhane Ruffin, against the Battlers. The Firebirds put up a fight with a powerful offense and strong defense. The started the shoot out early with Junior Midfielder Vanessa Valentine scoring the first goal of the game unassisted at the 24:15 minute mark. The Firebird's morale showed through the first period with Sophomore Goalkeeper Melan White saving 6 shots and returning Sophomore Goalkeeper Jada Foy with 3 saved shots for a combined 9 shots saved by the defense, as well as Sophomore Defender's Samantha Guy and Rebekah Clements collecting three groundballs and Junior Defender Kelsey Greene collecting two groundballs. In the second period The Firebirds turned up the heat with offensive performances by Sophomore Midfielder Kianna Franklin with three goals, Sophomore Midfielder Amy Rock with one goal and Sophomore Attackman Ana Sanchez with one assist. 

The Firebirds broke even with the Battlers going 9-9 in draw controls and 10-16 on clears. It was a close ground ball battle between the two teams with the Firebirds collecting 16 ground balls and the Battlers capturing 18. 

The Battlers (1-0) put up 29 shots as a team. They also collected 18 ground balls, 9 draw controls, and went 12-15 on clears against UDC. 

Alderson Broaddus had 6 different goal scorers, including Krista cooper with three goals, Haley Frost, Allison Rogers, Brooke Thomas, Hannah Goodwin and Alex Shaffer all with two goals. 

The Firebirds next opponent is Ohio Valley University on Wednesday, February 28th in Vienna, WV.