Box Score Tampa, Fla. – The Jesuit Women's Lacrosse team opened its 2015 season on the road at the University of Tampa Thursday night.  Despite seven different Cardinal players scoring a goal in the contest, Wheeling Jesuit dropped a hard fought contest to the Spartans, 18-14.
 
The duo of sophomore attack Elizabeth Hales and junior attack Jessica Tufnell led the Cardinals on offense.  Tufnell had three goals and three assists for 6 total points.  Hales finished the game with three goals and one assist for 4 total points.
 
Two Cardinals had the first two goals of their career.  Freshman midfielder Markie Wright had two goals and an assist, while freshman attack Kori Hickman scored on both of her shots on goal in her first collegiate action.  Sophomore attack Paige Plesich rounded out the two-goal scorers on the day.  Plesich scored two goals and had one assist for three total points.
 
Sophomore midfield Mary Burns and sophomore defender Holly Deckert finished the Cardinal scoring on the day with a goal apiece. 
 
Action went back and forth all game long as neither team went on a run of more than three goals during the contest.  Tampa had an advantage in draw controls (19-15) and shots (35-31).
 
WJU goaltender Maire Austin, who took the loss, had 10 saves and gave up 17 goals in 56:05 of play.
 
"I am pleased with how we competed from the beginning draw to the final whistle.  We will need to reduce the number of mental mistakes both offensively and defensively as we move forward.  It was great to get outside and enjoy the warm air of Tampa, FL during the Spring Break and have a contest against a quality opponent," stated Head Coach Tim Florence.
 
The Cardinals return to action this Saturday March 7^th at 7:00pm when they travel to Lakeland, FL to take on #9 Florida Southern College.