Frostburg, MD. – With storms surrounding the area the Wheeling University Women's Lacrosse team would have a storm of their own as they headed to Frostburg State for the Mountain East Conference Semifinal round. After a delay to the start of the game due to lightning, the teams would get into the fourth quarter, but more lightning and storms would bring the game to its final score of 17-1. It wrapped up the Cardinal's first season back since the hiatus and set the program up for success going forward.
After a lightning delay halted pregame warm-ups, the start of the game was delayed by about 45 minutes before the teams lined up for opening draw. The delay did not slow down the Frostburg State offense as they put nine shots into the back of the net over the first 15 minutes of play and after one quarter it was a 9-0 affair. They would score the first goal to start the second quarter and with that the running clock was put into play. Frostburg State would take 15 shots in the quarter, compared to four for the Cardinals, and they would put all nine of their shots on net into the back of that net. The Cardinals would generate four shots in the quarter, putting two of those on net, but it didn't stop the running clock from hitting as the Cardinals continued to battle into the second quarter.
Leading the way for the Cardinals was Sophia Cirone, who got the Cardinal's lone goal of the day after Frostburg State went ahead 11-0. It came at the 6:47 mark of the quarter after Sarah Artzer caused a turnover that gave the Cardinal's possession. Wheeling would rattle off four straight shots, and the fourth would go into the back of the net as Sophia Cirone picked up the rebound on shot three and got it into the back of the net. Cirone would finish the day with the one goal, while taking two shots and putting one of those on net. She would also add a ground ball while picking up three draw controls for her team. Cirone would take a majority of the draw control opportunities on the night, and looks to continue being a leader for the team moving forward.
Despite the final score, the Cardinal defense would work hard throughout the day with both Giavonna Perkins and Maisy Latus seeing time in net. Perkins would make two saves on 12 shots faced, getting the start in net for the Cardinals. Perkins was a member of the MEC's All Freshman team and looks to continue her growth with the team moving forward. Maisy Latus would come in relief for Perkins and faced less shots, but made more saves. She would finish with four saves on 11 shots faced throughout the night to round out her season. Both goalies for the Cardinals ranked in the top 10 in the MEC in saves this season. Four other Cardinals would finish with caused turnovers, as the defense tried to battled against the top scoring team in the conference.
By halftime, Frostburg State had built their lead to 12-1 and the Cardinals would look to regroup for the second half. The third quarter would see the Cardinals make their most saves of the game, finishing with three saves on eight shots on net in the quarter. After the third quarter horn rang, the Cardinals were down 17-0 and the skies began to grow ominous. Just two minutes into the final quarter of play, the field was cleared for a lightning delay and officials would meet in the locker room. After talking with both coaches, athletic trainers, and administrators, it was determined that with more lightning in the area and the score sitting at a 16 goal margin it was time to call the game.
The Wheeling University Women's Lacrosse team now heads into the off-season as they look to build for next season.
