BRIDGEWATER, Va. - Bridgewater women's lacrosse surged past No. 7 seeded Virginia Wesleyan in the ODAC First Round by a score of 11-4 at home Saturday. 

The Eagles advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 3 seed Roanoke.  

The Basics 

Score: No. 6 Bridgewater (BCE) 11, No. 7 Virginia Wesleyan (VWU) 4 

Records: BCE (10-8 OVR, 6-5 ODAC), VWU (9-9 OVR, 5-6 ODAC) 

How It Happened 

• Although the Eagles found their rhythm offensively, VWU surely took advantage of the lackluster start. BCE did not shy away from the early deficit and stormed back into a threatening position. Once the lead was captured, the forceful offensive crew got to work and did not let up the rest of the way. 

• In the first quarter, the Marlins quickly got on the board in the first four minutes of play. Then, minutes later, VWU slid the second goal in on a man-up advantage for the early 2-0 edge. The Eagles did not go fully silenced in the first quarter as Kyla Fricks made noise to close the quarter on a one-goal deficit. 

• Off a forceful draw control, Paige Mayers went all the way to the goal on a solo attack laying in the equalizer at 14:46 in the second quarter. The Marlins kept fighting and effectively worked possession down the field with a controlled clear attempt. They found room to get a shot off in dangerous territory netting the third goal of the game. However, the Eagles ignited a fluid offensive attack before the first half expired and stormed to the goal to collect two more points scored by the Paige's.  

• The second half then ensued and aggressive on-ball defense took play leading to fouls in and around the crease making goals easy to come by for the Eagles. BCE continued its scoring surge from the first half and rocketed three more goals before the third quarter hit zeros. Mayers and Jenna Entsminger converted on three successful free position attempts to jump out to a 7-3 lead. 

• Even with a card against the Eagles, they still managed to find open lanes to the attacking crease for Mayers to send in yet another goal; this one coming with a man-down. Madelaine Godat then got in on the goal frenzy to laser the ninth goal of the game on a free position attempt. The Marlins took advantage on an aggressive drive in threatening territory to draw a free position, ending the scoring performance for the Marlins at four. The Eagles safely closed out the game, adding two more goals for the 11-4 final score. 

Game Notes 

• Bridgewater stayed closely even with Virginia Wesleyan in possession categories, but the Eagles excelled at getting shots off, doubling the Marlins in total shots with 34 shots to 15.  

• Paige Mayers poured on six goals, not letting up out of the regular season.  

• The Eagles had the edge over the Marlins in draw controls getting out to aggressive drives and doubling them in the category with 12 total draw controls to six for VWU. 

Up Next 

The Eagles face Roanoke in the quarterfinals of the ODAC tournament set to begin at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.