April 3, 2006
Methodist routs Presbyterian College 24-6
McGonagle and Rodriguez score six goals each

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Monarchs handed the Presbyterian College women’s lacrosse team a 24-6 defeat on Friday afternoon as five different players for Methodist notched three or more goals. The Monarchs improved to 10-3 overall, while PC remains winless at 0-11.

Freshman attacker Sally Maple (Peachtree City, Ga.) started off the scoring at 28:17, giving the Blue Hose their first and only lead of the game. Methodist then reeled off six unanswered goals, including a hat trick from junior midfielder Lauren McGonagle (South Burlington, Vt.). Maple slowed down the Monarchs’ momentum with her 14th goal of the season as she finished off a pass from freshman midfielder Berkley Aiken (Charlotte, N.C.) at 16:50. PC registered three of the first half’s final five goals to pull within 10-5 at halftime.

The second half was all Methodist as the Monarchs outscored the Blue Hose, 14-1. Junior attacker Kelly Sisson (Greenville, S.C.) helped PC avoid being shutout in the second stanza with her unassisted goal at 20:59. Junior midfielder Lindsay West (Davidsonville, Md.) tallied four goals in the second for Methodist, while sophomore midfielder Kali Rodriguez (Colleyville, Texas) recorded a hat trick.

McGonagle led the Monarch offense and all players with 10 points on six goals and four assists, while Rodriguez finished with six goals and two assists. West contributed five goals and sophomore attackers Bridget Holcomb (Columbia, Md.) and Katelyn Cushman (Bennington, Vt.) each added three goals and an assist. Cushman paced the defensive unit with five ground balls and four caused turnovers, while winning five draw controls. Freshman Andrea DiStefano (Albany, N.Y.) made 10 saves in 60 minutes of action, scooping up five ground balls as well.

For the Blue Hose, Maple and Sisson each had two goals, while Aiken and sophomore midfielder Shannon Strodel (Duluth, Ga.) each chipped in a goal. Sisson also led the team with four draw controls, while freshman defender Alyson Whitley (Kennesaw, Ga.) picked up six loose balls and caused two turnovers. Freshman Kira Stringer (Marietta, Ga.) recorded 15 stops and a pair of ground balls as she played the entire game.

Next up for Methodist is USA South Athletic Conference opponent, Shenandoah College, on April 8 at 1:00 on the Monarchs’ campus.