SWEET BRIAR, Va. — The Cedar Crest College lacrosse team secured a 16-0 victory over Sweet Briar College on Friday at Meyer Field. The Falcons' defense allowed only four shots during the contest, while its offense capitalized on 28 shots on goal.

Cedar Crest opened the first quarter with a strong offensive push, establishing control early as junior Jessica Shults (Staten Island, N.Y./New Dorp) scored the first goal of the match. This set the momentum for the Falcons, who continued to dominate the draw controls and possession. First-year Trinity Burk (Baltimore, Md./Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts) extended the lead with her second goal of the season, and senior Kylah Demarest (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) followed with a goal assisted by Burk, solidifying Cedar Crest's advantage. The stanza saw the Falcons maintaining pressure, resulting in another goal by Demarest with an assist from junior Kadee Schrader (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area). As the frame neared its close, the Falcons' defense held firm, preventing the Vixens from capitalizing on their opportunities. Burk added her second goal of the quarter, bringing the score to 5-0 in favor of Cedar Crest.

The Falcons capitalized on a series of turnovers by Sweet Briar to extend its lead early in the second quarter. Senior Ellie Terranova (Wilmington, Del./Mount Pleasant) scored the first goal at 12:41, assisted by first-year Audra Leiter (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township). Demarest followed with two consecutive goals, including a free position shot at 5:14, bringing her season total to 13. Cedar Crest maintained control with effective draw controls by first-year Taylor Dotter (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) and Demarest, allowing the visitors to dominate possession. The Falcons continued its offensive momentum as Demarest, assisted by Schrader, scored her third goal of the quarter at 2:52. The team's defense was also pivotal, causing multiple turnovers and limiting the Vixens' scoring opportunities. Cedar Crest closed the quarter with a 5-0 run, leading 10-0 at the halftime break.

The Falcons started the third quarter with a decisive goal, as junior Carly Piciullo (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) found the net at 9:26 with an assist from Demarest. This score marked Piciullo's first goal of the season and set the tone for Cedar Crest's quarter. Building on this momentum, Schrader scored at 5:30, assisted by Dotter, extending the lead. The offensive drive continued with Demarest scoring a woman-down goal at 3:17, further strengthening the Falcons' advantage. The frame closed with Cedar Crest maintaining control, ending with a 13-0 lead.

The Falcons solidified their control in the fourth quarter, starting with first-year Brooke Leonardi's (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) goal at 6:59, marking her first of the season. This score was quickly followed by Leiter's unassisted goal at 5:12, her fifth of the season, adding to Cedar Crest's momentum. Demarest's draw control kept the momentum with the Falcons, and first-year Kaitlyn Takacs (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) assisted senior Olivia Moyer (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) for another goal at 1:33, increasing the lead. Cedar Crest maintained possession effectively, with Piciullo causing multiple turnovers. The quarter concluded with the Falcons up 16-0, securing a decisive victory.

Demarest led Cedar Crest with six goals on six shots, adding one assist to her performance. Terranova contributed to the offense with two goals, converting four of her five shots on goal. Burk tallied two goals and an assist, effectively supporting the attack.

Sophomore Elise Palazzo (Allentown, Pa.) guided Sweet Briar in shot attempts, registering two shots with one on goal, and also drew a penalty. Sophomore Geneva Seitz (Havre de Grace, Md.) stood out defensively, recording 12 saves in goal from 38 shots faced, despite conceding 16 goals. First-year Beiry Bonilla (Manassas, Va.) contributed with one shot attempt and was active in free position situations.

Cedar Crest (3-1 overall) returns home to host Centenary University (New Jersey) on Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. Sweet Briar (0-6 overall) stays home to host Muskingum University on Friday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m.