MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College women's lacrosse team took early control and dominated the second half to notch an impressive non-conference victory over La Roche University, 15-2 Saturday (Mar. 28) afternoon. The win improves Marietta's overall record to 6-4, while the Redhawks slip to 5-2 overall.
 
"Slow start but a great finish to cap off our non-conference play with a win, said Marietta head coach Lindsay Reho.  "Our defense stood tall all game and our attack was able to get some goals against a strong keeper. We have a big test coming up on Friday and today was a great start for that preparation."
 
Mallory Wiles (Worthington, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) and Renee Mulvaney (Midland, Mich./Midland) gave Marietta an immediate 2-0 lead with goals in the first three minutes. Molly Dickens (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) added another score at the 8:45 mark, contributing to a 3-0 lead by the end of the first period, a quarter in which the Pioneers completely shut down the Redhawks, allowing zero shots.
 
The offense slowed initially in the second quarter, but Dickens extended the lead five minutes in. La Roche's Nicole Schroeder briefly cut the deficit in half with two quick goals. However, Marietta responded with a pair of scores from Wiles and one from Lydia McCarter (Fort Mill, S.C./Catawba Ridge), sending the Pioneers into halftime with a commanding 7-2 advantage.
 
Marietta's defense continued its stout performance in the second half, out shooting La Roche 15-4. Dickens scored twice and Wiles added to her tally in the third quarter, pushing the Pioneers' lead to 10-2 entering the final period. Marietta then cruised to the finish, adding five more goals in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
 
Wiles scored six goals and assisted on two others to lead the Pioneer attack.  Molly Dickens (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) scored four goals and led the Pioneers with four assists.  Lydia McCarter (Fort Mill, S.C./Catawba Ridge) also scored a goal, collected four draw controls, and co-led he Pioneers with six groundballs.  Maddie Hayboer added a score and also had six groundballs.  Alayna Francis (Irwin, Pa./Norwin) led the way with seven draw controls and also causing three turnovers.
 
Tessa Labrasciano (Brandon, Fla./Bloomingdale Senior) played the first 30 minutes in goal for the Pioneers and allowed two goals. Morgan Parker (Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln) played the final 30 minutes and posted three saves while not allowing a score.
 
Marietta returns to the conference schedule on Friday (April 3) as they travel to battle Ohio Northern University, scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. start time.
 
Fans can follow all 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 X and Instagram.