YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Riley McDonald scorched nets with a team-best four goals, and Emily Cate Smith and Holly Hill added hat tricks of their own. The result: a 16-10 road win at Youngstown State for the young Lancers (1-4).
 
For McDonald, it was her second straight game with at least four goals, and Smith had a team best four assists and seven total points. Meanwhile, freshman goalkeeper Bridget Robinson added 10 saves for a .500 save percentage to earn the win.
 
TOP LWU PERFORMERS:
 
Riley McDonald: 4G, 1A, 1GB
Emily Cate Smith: 3G, 4A, 1GB
Holly Hill: 3G, 2A, 1GB
Miranda Helfenbein: 4GB, 3CT, 4DC
Bridget Robinson: 10SV, 1GB
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
Longwood has faced plenty of close games this season, and this was no exception. For the first half, neither side led by more than two goals either way.
 
Smith scored goals on each side of the first and second quarters for a 3-2 Lancer lead, but Youngstown State (0-6) rallied to take a 5-4 lead.
 
Hill answered with two goals, and McDonald added one, as Longwood bounced back with an 8-6 lead. Mikaela Cook scored her first collegiate goal to give Longwood a 9-7 lead at the break.
 
After halftime, the Longwood defense dominated. The Lancers only gave up three goals en route to snuffing the life out of the home side.
 
Hill sparked a Longwood run, and Ariana Tucci added back-to-back goals, as the Lancer lead grew to 15-8.
 
WHAT THEY SAID:
 
"Perseverance and disciplined play gave us a great team win," said Longwood Head Coach Kylar Ferguson. "More to learn and work on, but these young women are playing together for something bigger. I'm excited to return to Longwood with our first win this season and take on the next challenge at home."
 
UP NEXT:
 
Longwood hosts George Mason on Wednesday afternoon. Opening draw is set for 4 p.m. at Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field.
 
#GoWood #HorsePower