Montreat women's lacrosse team delivers landmark win

Cavs score program record 16 in win over Sweet Briar

Special to The Valley Echo

Senior Erin Cleland (24) and freshman Dovie Yates (2) lock in on defense against Sweet Briar on March 7 . Courtesy of Montreat Lacrosse

Prior to Montreat College suspending athletic activities indefinitely due to the impact of the coronavirus, the Cavs' women's lacrosse team was able to turn in a landmark victory in the program's history on March 7 at Pulliam Stadium.

The Cavs hosted and defeated the NCAA's Sweet Briar (Va.) Vixens by a 16-14 margin, in the process breaking the existing record of nine goals in a game for any Montreat team since the program began in 2015. Leading the way was freshman Izzy Knight, who had six goals and an assist in the game. Right behind was sophomore Hope Ward, who added four goals and two assists. The six goals by Knight were a record for goals in a game by a single player. Fellow attacker, senior Raya Donaldson, added two goals and has five on the year, the first five of her career. The win was the first of the season for the 1-4 Cavs through five games, who played three ranked/RV teams in their first four games, including three-time national champion, SCAD.

"Our midfield can play with any in the league, and we're starting to see our attack step it up and our defense slide more aggressively," said head coach Tom Flynn. "The suspension of the season is unfortunate but is the right thing to do for the students, the school, and our community right now."