HARRISONBURG, Va. - EMU took the field for the last time in 2026 on Wednesday, as they clashed with the Vixens of Sweet Briar College.
The Royals scored early and often, with their first goal coming just 13 seconds into the game and their last goal coming with only four ticks left on the clock, as they picked up a dominant 18-1 win over the Vixens.
Records: EMU 2-13, 2-6 ODAC | Sweet Briar 0-14, 0-8 ODAC
Highlights
First Quarter
- EMU wasted no time getting on the board. Hailey Walker won the opening draw, sprinted down field and put a shot on goal that beat the SBC keeper, giving EMU a 1-0 lead just 13 seconds into the game. Ava Schwartz did the same thing on the following draw, winning control and scoring just a few second later, followed by a third goal, this time from Jocelyn Allanson, which was her first collegiate goal, putting the Royals ahead 3-0 1:04 into the game.
- The Royals continued to pelt the Vixens keeper with shots, and she added three saves before Ava Walker got in on the scoring fun and pushing EMU's lead to 4-0. Sweet Briar was able to get on the board late, when an EMU foul led to a free position attempt, and the subsequent shot found the back of the net, making the score 4-1 after one.
Second Quarter
- In the second frame, EMU scored four goals once again in quick succession, with Briana Cruz-Dempsey, Shayleigh Sims, A. Walker and Joelle Blosser extending EMU's lead to 8-1 in a span of two minutes.
- Midway through the quarter, Kaylene Todd scored after a Vixens turnover, giving EMU a 9-1 advantage. Three minutes later, Blosser added her second goal of the game, taking a pass from H. Walker and nailing her shot for a 10-1 lead. Alyssa Hunter, who was relatively untested due to EMU's strong offense, came up with her first save at the 3:33 mark to keep SBC at just one goal.
- With just 37 seconds left, Liliana Guerrero scored her first goal of the season and sent the teams to the locker room with EMU leading 11-1.
Second Half
- It was more of the same to start the second half as Schwartz and Cruz-Dempsey each tallied their second goals of the game and with just 2:46 left in the quarter, Todd tacked on her second of the contest on a free-position shot.
- Guerrero kicked off the final frame with a goal, with H. Walker adding her second assists and pushing EMU ahead 15-1. Another collegiate first came with six minutes left, as Leslie Aleman notched her first career goal before Blosser and H. Walker added two more to round out the scoring for EMU.
Statistical Leaders
Goals: Blosser (3), A. Walker, H. Walker, Todd, Cruz-Dempsey, Guerrero and Schwartz (2)
Assists: H. Walker (2)
Ground Balls: Blosser, A. Walker, Todd and Sims (4)
Draw Controls: H. Walker (6)
Caused Turnovers: Todd (4)
What's Next
This is the 2026 season finale for the Royals. They graduate three seniors: Blosser, Guerrero and Sims, but will return a wealth of experience for their 2027 squad.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU women's lacrosse, follow EMU on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
