Smead Scores Three In Lax Opener, CCSU Falls to 'Nova 13-5

Freshman Alexa Smead scored three goals in her first collegiate game, but the Central Connecticut lacrosse team (0-1) fell to Villanova (1-0) 13-5 on the road on Sunday afternoon. The Wildcats started the game with a seven to one run and held on for the victory, out-shooting the Blue Devils 37-19. CCSU senior captain Stephanie John added two goals in the defeat.

Villanova got on the board early as Taylor Lucy scored the first goal of the game with only 19 seconds off the scoreboard. The Wildcats would finish twice more before Smead got CCSU on the board nearly halfway through the first period to cut the lead to 3-1. The Averill, NY native scored her first collegiate goal on a free position shot.

Wildcat attacker Katie Stone scored two goals amidst a four to zero run, as Villanova took a 7-1 lead over the Blue Devils with five minutes remaining in the first half. John then answered for CCSU on a free position of her own getting the game back to within five before halftime. Villanova out-shot CCSU 20 to 11 at the half, while picking up nine ground balls to Central's seven. Blue Devil goalkeeper Alice Lee recorded nine saves in the opening frame.

CCSU let Villanova get off to another quick start in the second half as Stone put the Wildcats up 8-2 after only 1 minute and 38 seconds in the period. From the 24:19 mark to 22:10 left in the second frame, four goals were scored. Villanova recorded three in the stretch, while John put in another unassisted goal for the Blue Devils, as they trailed 11-3. Near the end of the game Smead tallied two goals in a row to cut into the Wildcat lead, but CCSU let in another with 13 seconds left to make it 13-5.

Villanova out-shot the Blue Devils 37-19, while collecting 17 ground balls to CCSU's 12 for the game. The Wildcats were a perfect 10-10 on clears, while Central failed on three attempts, finishing 10-13. Lee finished the game with 18 saves. Villanova was led Taryn McKenna's five goals and two assists as well as three goals each from Carly Miller and Stone. Lucy finished with two goals and an assist.

Central Connecticut will continue their road trip against Presbyterian on Friday February 27 before traveling to Davidson on March 1 and returning home to host Siena on March 8.