CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - It was a little later than expected but the EMU women's lacrosse team kicked off its 2022 season on Tuesday at Wilson. 

The Royals picked up a hat trick from first-year Amber Bonds but it was the Phoenix who picked up the 15-6 win. EMU now sits at 0-1. 

Highlights

• EMU started out the game at a disadvantage, playing with just 10 as they'll do for all their games this season. Wilson was able to jump out to a 5-0 lead but, in the final minute of the first quarter, Bonds took a draw control and ran the length of the field. She beat multiple Phoenix defenders and buried her shot in the lower left corner to put EMU on the board and pick up her first goal of her career.  
• Courtney Crawford got in on the scoring at the 8:54 mark of the second quarter. After faking a pass, she took the ball to the front of the net and her shot found nylon as she picked up the first goal of her collegiate career. Bonds would pick up her second goal of the game on a free position shot, cutting into the Wilson lead. The Phoenix would add a pair more goals to take a 9-3 lead into the half. 
• Bonds secured the hat trick off a free position shot at the 6:53 mark before Grace Hughes got into the scoring fun for EMU. Hughes was fouled on a shot attempt and then was able to score on the subsequent free position shot to cut the Phoenix lead to 11-5. After another Wilson goal, Crawford notched her second goal of the game to keep their deficit at six. The Royals weren't able to score in the final quarter as the Phoenix tacked on three more to pick up the nine-goal win. 
• Bonds hat trick paced the Royals while Crawford had a pair of goals and Hughes added one. Cristal Narciso, getting her first collegiate start, finished with nine saves.

Postgame Words from Coach Russo

"I am incredibly proud of our fight today and for the resilience in our program. We got down early and battled to get back up. We are looking forward and ready for our home opener against Bethany on March 9." 

What's Next

EMU will kick off their home slate next Wednesday, March 9, when they take on the Bison of Bethany College. The game will start at 6 pm. 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the lacrosse program this year follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.