UD Women's Lacrosse Unable to Slow Midland's First Half Outburst

IRVING, Texas – The University of Dallas women's lacrosse team opened the 2021 season on Saturday afternoon versus Midland University. Dallas got off to a quick lead with the first two goals, but the Warriors struck back with the next seven goals to take a commanding lead that would end up 9-3 at halftime. The guests never trailed by less than seven in the second half.

Emily Pauletti (Dallas, Texas) finished with a team-high four goals and placed seven-of-10 shots on frame. It was the fifth hat trick for last season's leading scorer, as that streak dates back to last spring.

Her first goal occurred 30 seconds into the contest. Angela Bawardi (Fort Worth, Texas) registered her first collegiate goal five minutes later prior to Midland going on its large run. The Warriors' leading scorer Riley Yanek posted five of her game-high eight goals in the opening stanza.

Lizzy Elfelt (Brookfield, Wis.) notched the remaining pair of goals for UD. Her sister Emily Elftet (Brookfield, Wis.) made her collegiate debut and tallied a pair of points like her sibling but in the assists column. The family duo did not connect with each other.

Gabby Dixon (San Diego, Calif.) grabbed team-highs in ground balls (5) and caused turnovers (5). Kathleen Rodda (Granite Bay, Calif.) made her debut at goalkeeper and had 13 saves against 28 shots faced in 60 minutes. She fought for seven ground balls.

Sophia Haeuser (Napa, Calif.) was another newcomer that led UD in a statistical column with five draw controls.

Midland's goalkeeper Kayla Colacion made eight saves against 15 shots. The Warriors held a 33-23 edge in shots.

Midland improved to 2-1 on the season, while UD fell to 0-1.

Dallas is scheduled to play next Saturday, March 14 versus Piemont College. The match is set to begin at 12 p.m.