Matulich's six points lifts Bishop lacrosse to 17-2 win

Rocky Mount, NC - Freshman Sarah Matulich began her collegiate lacrosse career with a bang on Saturday, scoring three goals and tallying three assists in North Carolina Wesleyan's 17-2 season-opening win over Hollins University at Scalf Field.  Hollins, which took an early 1-0 lead, saw the Bishops score nine unanswered goals in the first half that essentially put the match out of reach.  In just its second year of competition, head coach Lorin Titus' squad is now 1-0.

Hollins' Liz Jenks got HU on the board quickly with an unassisted goal less than two minutes into the game. 

The Bishops, however, responded with the 9-0 run that saw six different players score goals. Sophomore Stephanie Branch scored NCWC's first goal at the 25:49 mark, and senior Allie Stylc followed suit with two goals in 37 seconds.  Stylc's second goal proved to be the eventual game-winner.

With 8:52 remaining in the first half, Pam Cruz broke Hollins' scoreless drought with an unassisted goal that made the score 9-2 in favor of the Bishops; but NCWC's Alexa Ashworth, Bry Brown, and Ashley Green quickly put to rest any thoughts of a comeback.  Each scored her first goal of the season in the final six minutes of the period to give Wesleyan a 12-2 lead at halftime.

The second half was all Bishops as Wesleyan out-scored Hollins 5-0 in the period.  Megan Kintner's goal with 10:50 remaining ensured that every NCWC field player scored in the match.

The Bishops were 3-for-3 in free position shots as Stylc, Matulich, and sophomore Mikey Case each connected on their attempts.  Katelyn Guinn, Michelle Hill, Lauren Stearns, Kathleen Penrod, and Cary Trump also scored their first goals of the season, while Guinn and Stylc added two assists apiece.

Freshman goalie Sarah Seligman earned her first win by recording six saves on the day.  Hollins' Sarah McCraig took the loss and also notched six saves.  The Bishops out-shot HU 28-11 in the contest.

Wesleyan opens up USA South play on Wednesday when they travel to Christopher Newport for at 4:00 p.m. match-up with the Captains.