Firebirds Score Season-High 10 Goals in Loss to Chowan

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia women's lacrosse team scored a season-high 10 goals, but it was not enough to keep pace with visiting Chowan University, as the Firebirds were defeated, 18-10 in this NCAA Division II non-regional contest on a warm, sunny afternoon Wednesday at McNabb Field.

The Firebirds featured six different goal scorers, including a season-high three goals by sophomore midfielder Amy Rock. Sophomore midfielder Vanessa Valentine and senior attack Jazmin Lopez each added a pair of goals, and junior attack Victoria Church, freshman midfielder Kianna Franklin, and senior midfielder Dominique Dotson all pitched in one goal apiece.

Defensively, UDC freshman goalkeeper Jada Foy tied her season high with 11 saves on 29 shots faced in a complete game effort. This marks the 4^th time this season she's been in double-figures for saves.  Also, the Firebirds as a defensive unit combined for 12 caused turnovers, with senior Aaliyah Carter totaling a game-high four, Valentine adding three, and Dotson pitching in with two.

Chowan (5-8) also featured six different goal scorers, but the bulk of that scoring was done by one player - Alexandria Hammonds. The team's 2^nd leading scorer entering today with 23 goals, Hammonds scored nine goals on 15 shots (12 SOG) to lead the Hawks today. Hammonds also had a game-high six draw controls, three caused turnovers and three ground balls.

Goalkeeper Shaena Ravenell stopped five of 15 shots faced to earn the complete game victory for Chowan.

UDC, as a team today, set season-highs with 21 shots and 15 shots on goal, converted 4-of-5 free-position shots, won the ground ball battle, 19-18, and converted 10-of-17 clears.

The Hawks, however, had a slight edge in draw controls (16-14), six fewer turnovers (25-19), and took 12 more shots. Also, of Chowan's 33 shots, the Hawks put 29 on goal.

A back and forth battle early on, UDC held a 2-1 advantage after surrendering the game's first goal courtesy of back-to-back Firebird goals by Franklin and Valentine. After Chowan responded with three straight goals, Rock scored the first of her three goals at the 15:26 mark to make it a one-goal game, 4-3.

Chowan would take control of the game from there though as the Hawks outscored UDC 7-2 in the final 15 minutes of the first half. UDC trailed 11-5 at halftime.

The Hawks did not let up in the 2^nd half as they out-scored UDC 5-1 in the first 15 minutes of the closing period and took their largest lead of the day, 16-6. The visitors then coasted to an eight-goal victory.

"We didn't show up today, and we allowed things that are out of our control to dictate our emotions," head coach Melynda Brown said. "It was really disappointing, but I hope we grow from it, and we come out stronger and better on Saturday."

Next up, the Firebirds will host East Coast Conference foe St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday, April 15^th at Woodrow Wilson High School. UDC will be honoring its four graduating seniors: Danielle Falco, Dominique Dotson, Jazmin Lopez and Aaliyah Carter, before the start of the game. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.