BREVARD, N.C.— The Montreat College women's lacrosse team took a short road trip on Friday to take on the Brevard College Tornados. The Cavaliers picked up their third straight win with a decisive 19-7 victory over the hosts. As a result of the contest, the Cavs improved to 3-1 on the year, while Brevard began its season at 0-1.
Montreat opened the game with a strong start, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead. Grace Wiegand scored the first goal less than three minutes in via a free position shot. Wiegand continued her impact, scoring again 48 seconds later, assisted by Ailani Soto. Marley Smith then followed up the Tornados' initial tally of the night with a strike at the 10:14 mark. The Cavaliers extended their lead to 4-1 merely 40 seconds later one Wiegand's third goal of the period.
Despite the Tornados' efforts to close the gap late in the quarter, the Cavs maintained their lead. Smith added a goal with 1:57 remaining, bringing Montreat's total to six in the frame. The first quarter concluded with the visitors leading 6-4.
BC broke the ice by scoring first in the second quarter, but the Cavaliers prevented the home team from building momentum by responding with a strong offensive showing. Ruthann Stout answered just two minutes after the Brevard tally, and the Cavs capitalized on a man-up opportunity with Wiegand's strike midway through the period. Wiegand tacked on two additional goals, one assisted by Stout and the other by Soto, across the final three minutes, while Addie Hannah and Anna White helped force turnovers. As a result, the Cavaliers entered the intermission with a comfortable 10-5 advantage.
Smith started the Cavs out on the right foot, coming out of the halftime break by securing the draw control, setting the stage for her team's offensive push. Despite an initial turnover, Montreat responded with a goal by Wiegand just 2:47 into the quarter, quickly followed by another from Smith, establishing a commanding lead at 12-6. As the frame progressed, Wiegand scored again with 87 seconds to go, and Soto, assisted by White, capped off the quarter with a goal at 52 seconds remaining. The period concluded with the Cavaliers extending their lead out to 14-6.
The Cavs capitalized early in the fourth quarter when Smith scored a goal following a turnover caused by Soto. Despite a brief response from the Tornados with a man-up goal, Montreat regained control. Wiegand's tally at the 7:26 mark was followed by Stout's strike, extending the lead to 17-7.
The offensive push continued with White scoring off an assist by Stout, and Smith adding another goal to solidify the advantage. The Cavaliers facilitated the flow of the contest with effective draw controls and ground ball pickups. The game concluded with the Cavs securing a 19-7 victory over Brevard.
Montreat held the advantage in total shots (42-19), ground balls (21-12) and draw controls (19-9). BC held a slight edge in clears (12-11). Both teams were even in free position goals with two apiece.
Wiegand led the offense scoring 10 goals on 14 shots, while also reaching a career milestone. The Fayetteville, N.C. native notched her 100th career goal as a Cavalier during the first half. Smith contributed significantly as well, adding five goals. Stout added two goals and two assists, effectively supporting the team's scoring efforts. Soto demonstrated versatility with one goal and a team-best three assists. Anastasia Rust manned the net for Montreat, registering six saves and picking up her third win of the year.
Looking ahead, Montreat will host Warner University next at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C. The game is set for Friday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.
