via Webber press release/website

BOX SCORE

CLEVELAND, Ga. (February 12, 2023) – The Webber International University women’s lacrosse team kicked off the 2023 season on Saturday afternoon as they battled the Bears of Truett McConell University. The Warriors put on an offensive showcase as they found the back of the cage 20 times en route to a 20-4 victory.

The Warriors (1-0 overall) heavily out-shot the Bears (0-2) 32-12 in total while forcing Truett McConnell into 19 turnovers.

It took just eight seconds for Webber to score its first goal of the 2023 season, courtesy of Bryce Gerber. The Warriors outscored the Bears 7-1 in the first quarter as both Gerber and freshman Madison Hamilton earned hat-tricks in just the first period. Truett McConnell scored the first goal of the second quarter, however, it was all Webber from then on as it scored five-straight goals including Kaitlyn Patterson’s second goal and two more by Gerber. The Warriors were well out in front and held a comfortable 12-2 lead at the break.

The third quarter was the most competitive as Webber outscored the Bear 3-2 for the quarter. Transfer Alia Loydd netted twice in the period to earn her hat-trick in her Warrior-debut. Truett McConnell was held scoreless in the fourth and final quarter as the Warriors scored five more including two goals by Hamilton.

Leading the way offensively was Gerber with six goals and four assists for a total of 10 points. She set career-highs in all three categories while adding five ground balls and a caused turnover. Hamilton had an outstanding collegiate debut as she racked up five goals in total and led the team in both ground balls with six and caused turnovers with three. Loydd, Patterson, and Sydney Britton all tallied three goals as well. Patterson and Makayla Senter each recorded four ground balls while Courtnie Couch ended with an assist, two ground balls, and a caused turnover.

The Warriors have just a three-day break before traveling to West Palm Beach, Florida for a matchup against No. 4 Keiser University on Wednesday, February 15th at 4 p.m. They will then battle rivals Warner University in their home-opener on Saturday, February 18th at 3 p.m.