HARRISONBURG, Va. - The EMU lacrosse team wrapped up their 2024 home slate on Saturday, taking on the Cougars of Averett University. 

The Royals jumped ahead in the first 12 seconds of the game, and kept the game close in the first quarter, but the Cougars scored 13 goals over the final three quarters to pick up a 20-4 win over EMU. 

Records: EMU 3-11, 1-8 ODAC | Averett 4-10, 4-6 ODAC

Highlights

• Courtney Crawford won the game's opening draw, took the ball down the field and beat the keeper, just 12 seconds into the game, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead. Taylor Parker was close to extending EMU's lead less than a minute later, as she was fouled and picked up a free-position shot. But her shot was saved by the Cougars keeper. Averett tied things at the 12:35 mark and took a lead at 10:19 on a man-up goal. 
• Crawford answered right back, notching her second goal of the game with 8:40 left in the quarter, but Averett then scored five unanswered goals to take a 7-2 lead after one. Cristal Narciso grabbed three saves for EMU to keep the Royals within striking distance. 
• EMU pulled within four at the start of the second quarter when Amber Bonds took a pass from Crawford and buried it in the back of the cage, cutting the score to 7-3. Narciso added a save in the second but Averett was able to score three times to take a 10-3 lead at the break. 
• In the third, Averett opened up with five straight goals to extend their lead, but Angel Hines added a Royals goal to cut their deficit to 15-4. AU was able to tack on five more goals in the fourth to round out the Cougars' scoring. 

Statistical Leaders
Crawford: 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 draw controls
Bonds: 1 goal, 8 draw controls, 2 caused turnovers
Narciso: 8 saves

What's Next
EMU will wrap up the 2024 season on Wednesday when they head to Winchester to take on Shenandoah University. Opening draw is set for 7 pm. 

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