ELKINS, W. Va. – The Frostburg State Women's Lacrosse team won their MEC opener over Davis & Elkins by a 13-8 final.
 
An early FSU turnover called sophomore keeper Liz Amos into quick action on a save, then at the other end, Senator netminder Megan Bauer made back-to-back stops in response. The Bobcats again struggled to keep hold of the ball, as D&E was able to net the game's first goal, following up just seconds later with a draw control and a run through the defense for a 2-0 advantage. Over a five-minute stretch, neither side registered a shot, with turnovers becoming numerous, then after getting the clear, senior Neila Haney finally got Frostburg on the board.
 
Seeking to tie things up, freshmen Avery O'Hara and Delaney Burrows were both stopped by Bauer before classmate Maddie Russell weaved through the defense to even the score at 2-2. After getting the draw, Davis & Elkins forced Amos into another save, while Bauer matched at the other end, leading to the hosts putting home a goal with a minute to go and lead 3-2 after one.
 
Burrows was denied by Bauer to begin the second, then three minutes later, the Senators drove in for a solo effort and a two-goal advantage. Just 20 seconds later, FSU rebounded, as Russell netted her second before senior Daniella Boss picked up the next draw, leading to junior Gianna Leonardi tying the game at 4-4. Seeking to take the lead for the first time, Burrows had a shot cannon off the crossbar before a D&E penalty allowed O'Hara to score on a free position. After Burrows was thwarted by Bauer, O'Hara turned provider to Haney in keeping the momentum rolling at 6-4.
 
Both sides were whistled for cards in the next two minutes, as Bauer tried to keep Frostburg at bay through a pair of stops, but O'Hara was able to net a solo goal to push out to a three-score lead. A Bobcat turnover allowed the Senators to momentarily stop the run with a goal, however a CT from freshman Lauren Kunes got FSU the ball back as Haney was able to just beat the buzzer in finding the back of the net to go up 8-5 at the half.
 
Despite conceding the late goal, Davis & Elkins came out stronger in the third period, as Bauer stopped Russell before a breakaway goal brought them back within two. Frostburg was able to withstand a green card, then after the Senators were given one of their own, Russell passed to Burrows on the doorstep to go back up 9-6. Sophomore Kam Lee helped ensure D&E couldn't get their offense going by causing a turnover, as just over a minute later, Russell gave an assist to senior Daniella Boss for a four-goal lead.
 
Immediately after taking the draw, Davis & Elkins netted another quick goal, keeping the deficit at three. Getting the ball back following a Bobcat turnover, the Senators were awarded a free position with the shot clock winding down, as Amos was able to make the save in net. Slicing through the defense, Haney scored her fourth of the day with 90 seconds left to lead 11-7 headed to the fourth.
 
Each goalkeeper made a save to start the final frame, while both sides then fired a shot wide before Russell completed her hat trick for a five-goal advantage. Just 30 seconds later, D&E fired back from the 8-meter, still not letting FSU pull away. The Senators then won the draw looking to inch closer but turned the ball over, allowing Haney to maneuver her way to a fifth goal and a 13-8 lead. Over the final eight minutes, Frostburg's defense stepped up, as the offense couldn't find an insurance goal through a pair of Bauer saves and some efforts going off target, while Davis & Elkins wouldn't manage another shot for the Bobcat win.
 
Haney's five-piece led the offense, while Russell netted a trio of goals and dished out two assists.
 
With the win, Frostburg improves to 6-2 on the year, while D&E drops to 6-2. FSU will return home on Thursday, March 26 to host Charleston (WV) at 4 p.m. Information and updates will be posted to frostburgsports.com.