HAVERFORD, Pa. - The 18th-ranked Haverford College women's lacrosse team opened its season in commanding fashion on Wednesday afternoon at Swan Field, rolling past Widener (0-1) by a 16-5 final. The Fords (1-0) controlled the game from the outset, firing off 37 total shots — 27 of them on target — in a balanced and relentless offensive effort.
Kylie McNamara led the way with four goals, while Brooke Epstein filled the stat sheet with two goals, two assists, and nine draw controls. Daniela Martini orchestrated the attack with one goal and five assists, and Sophie Jaffe added three goals and an assist to two caused turnovers. Her offensive output included a pair of fourth-quarter tallies to put the finishing touches on the victory. First-year Mikelle Smith made her presence felt with a pair of caused turnovers and four ground balls to go with a goal and an assist in a well-rounded effort.
Widener (1-1) was paced by Jessica Mantz, who scored twice on free-position attempts. Ava Leporati added a man-up goal, and Jarliah Ferko rounded out the Pride's scoring with a goal on two shots on target. Haverford wasted little time setting the tone. Natalie Frekko opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the contest off a feed from Smith, sparking a 4-0 run to begin the game. McNamara struck twice during the stretch, both assisted by Martini, before Frekko added her second goal of the quarter. After Widener got on the board midway through the period, Kalli Mullen answered with a free-position goal to send the Fords into the second quarter with a 5-1 advantage.
The Fords continued to build momentum in the second. Epstein and McNamara each converted from the free-position arc to stretch the lead to 7-1. Widener briefly halted the run with a goal from Mantz, but Haverford responded once again. Jaffe and Louisa Coughlin each found the net late in the half, giving the Fords a comfortable 9-2 cushion at the break.
Widener opened the third quarter with a goal, but Haverford quickly regained control. Smith answered off a Coughlin assist, and Coughlin later scored herself off a feed from Epstein. McNamara and Martini added late goals in the frame, with Martini finishing a Jaffe pass in the final seconds to trigger the running clock and extend the lead to 13-3 heading into the fourth.
Jaffe struck twice early in the final quarter, assisted by Epstein and Coughlin, before Epstein added her second goal of the afternoon off a Martini feed. Widener tacked on a pair of late goals, but the outcome was long since decided as Haverford closed out the 16-5 win.
The contest was also held in honor of Cancer Prevention Month. The team wore purple in support of everyone who has been affected by cancer. Haverford's American Cancer Society tabled by the bleachers to raise awarenesss and share ways the community can make a difference. Fans were encouraged to learn more about prevention, early detection, and how to support those impacted by cancer.
Women's Lacrosse returns to action on Saturday, February 28, traveling to Scranton for a noon matchup in the Electric City. Haverford then finishes out the weekend with a second game in Scranton against Marywood on Sunday, March 1.
