The Kent State women's lacrosse team began its inaugural season today on the road in Cincinnati where the Golden Flashes fell to the Bearcats, 19-8, despite an impressive first half. "For the first time in history, Kent State lacrosse took the field and represented the team and our university in a way that we can all be proud of," said Head Coach Brianne Tierney. "We have lessons to learn, moments to build on and experiences to get under our belt. But to start off down just 8-6 in the first half to an established program like Cincinnati, it is a credit to the work this team has put in." Freshman Abby Jones fired the first goal in Kent State lacrosse history to tie the game at one early in the first half. Three straight Cincinnati goals followed before Jones scored her second unassisted goal of the game. The Flashes' first three goals were unassisted before freshman Kelli Bailey tallied the first assist in program history when she set up fellow freshman Megan Kozar for her second goal of the game. Freshmen Lluna Katz and Graceyn Dean each recorded their first career goals in the first half as well. Katz scored on a free position shot, while Dean scored from an assist by Kozar. Jones recorded her third goal of the game late in the second half to give her a hat trick. Katz also added another goal in the second period. Freshman goalkeeper Grace Merrill recorded 14 saves on 39 shots in the game. "Abby [Jones] and Grace [Merrill] really stood out today," added Tierney. "A number of players who came in off the bench gave us good minutes and that bodes well for next week's game against Robert Morris." The Bearcats pulled away in the second half behind junior Monica Borzillo's dominant performance. The preseason AAC All-Conference selection recorded 11 points with seven goals and four assists. Fellow juniors Sam Mlkvy and Gianna Napoletano each added five points for the Bearcats. Up Next The Flashes will return home for the first ever Kent State women's lacrosse home game on Saturday, February 16 against Robert Morris at 1 p.m. at Dix Stadium.