MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's lacrosse team was victorious in their home opener as they defeated Westminster College 16-5 on Saturday (Feb. 26) afternoon. With the win the Pioneers improved to 2-0 overall and the Titans fell to 0-1. 
 
"Happy with the W and the many bright spots on offense and transition", said Head Coach Malory Nadrah. "We did not consistently play disciplined and made a lot of mistakes on attack. Definitely a lot to work on as we continue the season." 

Marietta jumped out to big lead as they controlled the first quarter. Megan Marshall (Naples, Fla./Estero) scored less than a minute into the contest. Kayla Kearns (Preston, Md./Easton), Mackenzie Dyott (Easton, Md./Easton), Megan McGriff (Lakewood, Colo./Bear Creek), and Hope Adam also had 1st Period goals. Westminster was able to score with seconds left to make the score 5-1 after one period. 

The Pioneers brought more firepower in the second stanza, scoring on another six occasions. Natalie Cocco (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township), Shelby Millheim (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom), and Leeza Jongekryg (Holland, Mich./West Ottawa) joined the party with their first goals of the game. Adams and Dyott each tacked on their second goal of the game and Marietta led 11-2 at intermission. 

Kearns, who ended the day leading the team with three goals, got Marietta back on the board in the 3rd quarter with a scoring shot, assisted by Rachel Sivie (Washington, Pa./Trinity). 

"I'm proud of Kayla for making some big finishes on attack today," said Coach Nadrah of Kearns' performance. "Even after a big foul, she was able to compose and score her 8 meter." 

Westminster's Samantha Reed was able to put a couple of late shots past the Pioneer goalkeepers, but the damage had been done and Marietta claimed the victory. 

Maddie Leers (Crystal Lake, Ill./Barrington) alternated quarters with freshman Abby May (Randolph, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary). Leers faced 10 total shots, four of which were on goal, and made two saves in the game. She was credited with the win. May faced four shots, all on goal, and made one save. 
 
As previously stated, Kearns was the leading goal scorer for Marietta. Kayla had three goals and picked up two groundballs. Dyott, Cocco, Adams, and Sivie all finished with two goals each. Jongekryg led the Pioneers in draw controls with eight. Casey Roeder (Milford, Ohio/Milford) came off the bench to cause three turnovers and pick up a pair of groundballs. 
 
The Pioneers will next play Wednesday (March 2) when they travel to take on Franciscan University, with the game scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. 
 
Fans can follow all of the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on Twitter and Instagram.