The Davidson women's lacrosse team clinched their first victory of the 2021 season on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Furman Paladins 14-10. In addition to today's game, the Wildcats honored their six graduating seniors and celebrated the careers of Sam Rippley, Katie Woodruff, Tess Reiman, Natalie Junior, Olivia Carey and Izzy Lozano. Gianna New paced the 'Cats with a career-high five goals and 12 draw controls, while Olivia Carey matched New's points, with one goal and four assists. Jane DiGregorio helped lead the offensive distribution tonight as well, as the junior dished three assists of her own. Freshman Julianne Carey picked up right where she left off on Friday night, scoring Davidson's first two goals of the day today to give the 'Cats a 2-0 lead. Despite the Paladins answering back with a goal, the Wildcats rattled off three straight goals from Carey, Gianna New and Erin Cooke, to establish a 5-1 advantage with 20 minutes to go in the half. Furman pushed the envelope midway through the first frame though, as the Paladins scored three straight goals of their own and cut the deficit to one. With a 5-4 lead, Davidson outscored Furman 5-2 over the next 15:34 and went into the halftime break with a 10-6 lead, after winning the draw control advantage 11-5 in the first. Rippley ignited the Wildcats' second half offense, as she scored her lone goal of the day off an unassisted shot from the near side of the crease. From there, New and Grace Fahey finished off the day as New struck twice more and Fahey earned her first score of the match to allow the 'Cats to maintain their four-goal lead and ultimately come out victorious with a 14-10 win. With the win, Davidson improves to 1-1 on the year and will prep for its next contest on Friday, Feb. 19 against East Carolina. Game time is slated for 6:30 p.m. from inside Richardson Stadium. Print Friendly Version