MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – The Middlebury College women's lacrosse team jumped to an early lead and never looked back in a 19-13 season-opening win over Bowdoin on Saturday afternoon. The ninth-ranked Panthers move to 1-0 on the year while the 20^th-ranked Polar Bears fall to 0-1.
 
Game Highlights

• The Panthers led 5-1 after 11:30 of play and extended their lead to 8-2 following three straight Erin Nicholas goals early in the second quarter.
• Bowdoin rallied slightly before halftime, cutting the lead to 11-6 at the break following an Annabelle Gersch goal.
• The teams traded goals in the third quarter, but the Polar Bears could get no closer than five.
• The Panthers scored five times in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

By The Numbers

• Fiona Bundy and Annabelle Gersch each had three goals and an assist for the Polar Bears. Gersch also added three caused turnovers, three groundballs and four draw controls.
• Sophia Schaefer had nine draw controls for Bowdoin while Aaliyah Biondo ended with eight saves in 45 minutes of play (14 GA) before giving way to Sophia Rutman (four saves, five GA).
• Erin Nicholas led all scorers with six goals for Middlebury.

Up Next

• Bowdoin returns to action on Wednesday evening when they host the University of New England at 7:00 p.m. at Ryan Field.