POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (February 24, 2018)- The Vassar College women's lacrosse team decidedly claimed their season opener, defeating the Rangers of Drew University 14-8 on Weinberg Field Saturday afternoon.

With the win, the Brewers improve to 1-0, while the Rangers now sit at 1-1 on the season. 
 
The Brewers dominated the game offensively almost immediately. Drew University first-year Lauren Cassella snagged the first game goal less than two minutes into the half, but the Rangers' lead was quickly answered by back-to-back goals by last year's Liberty League Rookie of the Year Tessa Waters. These were soon followed by goals from Lindsay Wolk, Fiona MacLeod, Storm Sideleau, and Adele MacEwen, as well as two from Kelly Pushie, to give Vassar a decided 8-4 lead at the end of the first half.
 
Waters opened the second half with a goal just 23 seconds in, and followed with another less than ten minutes later. MacEwen was the next Brewer to score, assisted by Sideleau, who followed with a goal of her own under three minutes after that. The Rangers put up a fight, logging four goals of their own in the second half, but were no match for Vassar's offensive powerhouse, as Fiona MacLeod tallied the final two Brewer goals of the game unassisted, solidifying Vassar's 14-8 lead.
 
While Drew had the edge on draws won, winning 14 of the 24 total, Vassar led them in almost every other category, with 27 shots on goal to Drew's 17, 27 turnovers to Drew's 33, and collecting 38 ground balls to Drew's 24.  
 
Tillie Newcomb, Sydney Nemphos, and Fiona MacLeod led the Brewers in ground ball pickups, with seven, six and five respectively, helping the Brewers hold on to possession long enough to take 36 total shots. Nemphos and Newcomb were also key defensively, causing nine turnovers between them to contribute to the team's 21 total caused turnovers. Goalkeeper Emily Chancey was a solid bet in the net, with nine saves on the day, and a save percentage of 0.529.
 
Catch the Brewers back in action at home on Weinberg Field on Wednesday, March 7 at 5 p.m., as they welcome the visiting Cardinals of Wesleyan University.