Women's Lacrosse kicks of 2018 campaign with 16-9 victory over Hiram

By Caleb Scott

HIRAM — The Ohio Northern women's lacrosse team opened its third season of action and 2018 campaign with a 16-9 victory over Hiram on Thursday evening at Henry Field.

The Polar Bears move to 1-0 on the season, while the Terriers fall to 0-1.

Northern was led by freshman Sydney Skelding (Dublin, Calif.), who scored an impressive six goals in her collegiate debut.

Sophomore Maggie Fuller (Naples, Fla.) and freshman Sabra Woodruff (Beavercreek) also recorded hat-tricks in the victory, scoring three goals each.

Woodruff picked up a team-best six ground balls and added a game-high five caused turnovers, while sophomore Jacqui Lohman (Liberty Township/Lakota East) had a team-high five draw controls.

After Hiram scored the contests first goal of the game, Northern answered with three straight goals as Fuller, Woodruff and sophomore Ann McArn (Bay Village/Western Reserve Academy) each recorded goals.

The Terriers were able to add one more before Skelding ripped off three straight goals in less than a minute to push the Polar Bear lead to 6-2.

The two teams would exchange multiple goals throughout the remainder of the first half as ONU held a 9-7 advantage at halftime.

After Lohman opened the second half with a goal just 45 seconds into the half, Hiram would answer with two goals to climb within 10-9.

From there, the Polar Bear defense would stifle the Terriers, using a 6-0 run to close the contest and seal the 16-9 victory.

Senior goalkeeper Shannen Larsen Van Alstine (Neenah, Wis.) earned the victory in the goal for Northern, recording six saves in 30 minutes of action and improving her record to 1-0 on the season.

The Polar Bears return to action on Saturday at 5 pm as they welcome Trine (Ind.) to Dial-Roberson Stadium for 2018 their home opener.