LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Cedar Crest College lacrosse team decisively defeated Randolph 16-1 at WildCat Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

The Falcons began the game assertively, quickly establishing control with a goal from junior Jessica Shults (Staten Island, N.Y./New Dorp) just seconds into the match. The team maintained momentum with junior Kadee Schrader (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) scoring twice, supported by assists from senior Kylah Demarest (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) and first-year Taylor Dotter (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area). The Cedar Crest offense continued to dominate as first-years Audra Leiter (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) and Trinity Burk (Baltimore, Md./Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts) each added a goal, extending the lead.

Despite the WildCats' attempts to counter, the Falcons' defense, led by frequent draw controls and ground ball pickups, limited Randolph's opportunities. Further goals from senior Olivia Moyer (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) and Dotter, each assisted by teammates, solidified Cedar Crest's commanding position. The quarter closed with the Falcons leading 7-0.

Cedar Crest built on its first-quarter momentum in the second stanza, with senior Ellie Terranova (Wilmington, Del./Mount Pleasant) scoring the opening goal, assisted by Burk. This early strike was followed by a successful free position goal from Leiter, extending the Falcons' lead.

Midway through the frame, Demarest capitalized on a woman-up opportunity with a free position shot, pushing the advantage further. Cedar Crest continued to control the game, with Dotter netting a goal assisted by Schrader late in the quarter.

The second quarter concluded with the Falcons leading 11-0, maintaining a commanding position as the game moved forward.

Cedar Crest continued to build its momentum in the third quarter with effective plays that bolstered its lead. Dotter opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Schrader at 13:29, marking the Falcons' assertive presence early in the quarter. Demarest further added to the tally with a free position goal at 5:54, capitalizing on Randolph's defensive lapses.

The Cedar Crest defense maintained pressure, preventing the WildCats from finding the net and keeping the shutout intact through the quarter. The Falcons concluded the third quarter leading 13-0.

The final quarter opened with Cedar Crest maintaining control, as first-year Morgan Kreibick (Philadelphia, Pa./Franklin Towne Charter) won the draw control and first-year Kaitlyn Takacs (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) capitalized on a free position shot at 13:29 to extend their lead. Terranova followed with another draw control, but a turnover provided a brief opportunity for Randolph, who scored a woman-up goal to put themselves on the board.

The Falcons quickly regained momentum when Terranova scored at 3:31, assisted by Demarest, who also assisted Dotter's goal at 1:43. Schrader helped maintain possession with a draw control shortly after Dotter's goal, and Cedar Crest managed to hold off the WildCats' attempts in the closing minutes.

The Falcons closed the quarter with a solid defensive effort, resulting in a 16-1 victory, maintaining their dominant performance throughout the game.

Demarest led Cedar Crest, scoring with two goals and added four assists, converting on eight of her 10 shots on goal. Dotter also made a strong impact by finding the net four times and assisting once, finishing with five shots on goal. Schrader contributed two goals and two assists, including the game-winning goal. Leiter added two goals on six shots, with four of those being on target.

Junior Mireya Norville (Sunrise, Fla.) stood out as a key player for Randolph, making 14 saves on 43 shots faced as the starting goalie. Senior Mackenzie Woodson (Norfolk, Va.) contributed offensively with a goal and two shots on goal from four total attempts. Sophomore Jaci Moore (Lexington, Va.) exerted offensive pressure, tallying three shots with two on target.

Cedar Crest (2-1 overall) will round out its road trip with a game at Sweet Briar College on Friday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m. Randolph (0-3 overall) next plays at Tennessee Wesleyan University on Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m.