NORFOLK, Va. – Longwood women's lacrosse had a third-quarter rally, but it wasn't enough in the season opener at Old Dominion on Friday night.
 
Alexandra Hirst led the Lancers (0-1) with a hat trick, but ODU (1-0) took the lead in the first half and never let it go to win 13-6.
 
SCORE:
 
               1             2             3             4             FINAL
LWU      0             1             4             1             6
ODU      3             4             1             5             13
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
The game was a defensive struggle in the first 15 minutes, with both goalkeepers putting up strong efforts.
 
Amelia Carlile got the start in goal for Longwood and made nine saves on the day, helping keep the Lancers around.
 
However, ODU received four goals from Sarah Murrell and three from Callie Culhane to bolster the offensive attack.
 
Kearston Jackson put Longwood on the board in the second quarter, but ODU led 7-1 at the break.
 
Hirst, a freshman, helped key Longwood's offense in response in the third, scoring her first two collegiate goals. Her second came with 17 seconds to play in the quarter and pulled Longwood within three.
 
Hirst completed the hat trick halfway through the fourth, but the combo of Murrell and Culhane was too much.
 
Miranda Helfenbein had two assists and a goal for the Lancers as well, and Jordan Fitzgerald chipped in one goal and one assist.
 
UP NEXT:
 
Longwood returns to Farmville for its home opener in 11 days when the team hosts VCU on Tuesday, February 18. The opening draw is set for 4 p.m. at Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field.
 
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