Gunter Scores Twice in Loss to Chestnut Hill

LAFAYETTE HILL, Pa. — The University of the District of Columbia women's lacrosse team (0-1) fell to Chestnut Hill College (1-0) with a final score of 14-2 at Victory Field #1 on Wednesday.

The first quarter commenced with a strong defensive presence from both teams, as Natalia Perkins recorded multiple saves for the Firebirds early on. The Griffins opened the scoring with Kendall Gayton finding the net at 12:01, assisted by Molly Miller. Gayton continued by scoring again at 7:07 with an assist from Carlee O'Donnell, despite a player-down situation. Miller followed with a goal from a free position shot at 6:44, widening the lead. Samantha Martin and Ryley Geary added two more goals, bringing the score to 5-0 by the end of the quarter. The Firebirds struggled to break through the Griffins' defense, leading to several turnovers and a scoreless opening quarter.

The Griffins dominated the second quarter, scoring five unanswered goals against the Firebirds. Nicole George opened the scoring at 14:23, and Samantha Martin extended the lead with a player-up goal, assisted by George, at 11:04. Bryce Westervelt found the net with help from Carlee O'Donnell at 8:29, further increasing the gap. Molly Miller capitalized on a free position shot with 5:37 remaining, followed by Kendall Gayton's goal from another free position at 3:32. The Firebirds struggled to maintain possession, with several turnovers and a failed clear contributing to their scoreless quarter.

Nicole George scored for the Griffins at 5:02, marking the only goal for the home team in the quarter. The Firebirds responded with a goal by Najee Gunter at 4:00, leveling the quarter score. The teams exchanged possessions and turnovers throughout the remainder of the quarter without further scoring. The quarter ended with the score tied 1-1, but the Griffins maintained their overall lead at 11-1.

Gunter opened the final quarter with a goal at 14:20 for UDC, but the Griffins quickly responded. Samantha Martin netted the first of three consecutive goals for the Griffins at 8:20, assisted by Bryce Westervelt. Dyllen Andrews and Hayden Johnston followed with goals at 3:50 and 1:00, respectively, each also aided by Westervelt's assists. Despite multiple draw controls and clear attempts, UDC struggled to maintain possession, allowing the Griffins to secure a commanding 14-2 victory.

The Firebirds are back in action next Wednesday at Chowan University.