NEW CONCORD, Ohio - The Cougars women's lacrosse team jumped out to an early lead in their first game of the season, bolstered by key offensive contributions from First Years Marcella Valentine, Sara Kaesshaefer and Bella Walski-Rodriguez. The Cougars scored the first eight goals of the game and coasted to a 17-5 win in the season opener over the Muskingum Fighting Muskies.


The Cougars got the scoring started early as Marcella Valentine scored her first collegiate goal just two and a half minutes into her career, putting the Cougars ahead. The Cougars scored the first eight goals of the game with Natalie Ondo, Bella Walski-Rodriguez and Sara Kaesshaefer joining Valentine in the score sheet. Ondo netted two goals in the opening quarter to start her junior season. First Year Bella Walski-Rodriguez scored her first career goal six and a half minutes into the game and fellow newcomer Sara Kaesshaefer scored a trio of goals in her first career quarter. Meanwhile, Izzy Davanti assisted on four first quarter goals. The Muskies fought back with a pair of goals at the end of the quarter to make the score 8-2.


The Cougars added to their lead before halftime with four non-even strength goals. The Cougars scored three player up goals and then added a player down goal to make the score 12-2 heading into the break. Marcella Valentine scored her third goal of the game to open the frame, she was followed by Izzy Davanti who recorded her fifth point and first goal of the game. Then it was Sara Kaesshaefer winning the first year race to four with her fourth goal of the game. Valentine would record her fourth goal of the game while Davanti recorded her fourth assist.


The second half went smoothly for the Cougars, outsourcing the Muskies 2-1 in the third quarter to take a 14-3 lead into the final quarter of play. There the Cougars outscored the Muskies 3-2, en route to a 17-5 victory.


The Cougars were led by Izzy Davanti's seven points, one goal and six assists. Marcella Valentine and Sara Kaesshaefer each recorded four goals while Natalie Ondo and Bella Walski-Rodriguez scored three. Sofia Hoetzlein-Sirman and Rachel Luomala each had four ground balls while Luomala had six caused turnovers and Hoetzlein-Sirman had five. Meghan Cuzy-Berry patrolled the net making two saves and recording the win. The Cougars had first years total 11 of their 15 goals and totaling 13 ground balls and eight turnovers.


The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday February 21st when they travel to Marietta, Ohio for a 1 PM start against Marietta.