For Immediate Release – 4/30/16 - #340
WildCats Fall in Season Finale as Comeback comes up Short

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Randolph College women's lacrosse team played its final game of the season against Virginia Wesleyan College on Saturday.  The hosts won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) game 21-11.

Shortly after the first minute of the game had expired, the Marlins began their opening run with a goal by Marie Leach.  The WildCats made several nice plays during the run, including a caused turnover by Chelsea Marciniak, but VWC had a 5-0 lead at the 22:24 mark.

However on the next possession, Anna Belliveau made a stop and it started a fast break for the 'Cats.  Dana Cavallo took the ball all the way and fired it in the back of the net.  But the Marlins pulled back two goals shortly after, despite great defending.

Once again though, the WildCats responded.  Erin Campbell was fouled on a drive shortly after VWC made the score 7-1.  She took her free position shot well, and scored for Randolph.  Virginia Wesleyan pulled in the next draw, but Taylor Riccardi forced a turnover.  It allowed for another successful clear, and Nicole Dorton worked her way to the cage, and she scored, cutting the deficit to four.

However, the Marlins responded to the run with a run of their own.  Megan Schallock tallied twice before assisting on a third, to put the score at 10-3 with 4:21 left in the period.  But Randolph would answer.  Chelsea Marciniak made a nice spin move and fired it into the back of the cage.

The two teams then traded goals over the final minutes of the half, as Dorton was fouled on her drive with one minute left.  Dorton attacked the crease and sent the ball in the back of the net.  The Marlins made one more attempt on goal in the final moments of the half, but Riccardi caused another turnover to keep the score at 11-5 at the half.

Randolph used that momentum in impressive fashion over the first five minutes and nine seconds of the second half.  Dorton won the opening draw, and Cavallo tallied her second of the game shortly after.  Dorton followed the goal with another draw, and this time it was Marciniak's turn.  She fired the ball home for her second of the game.  Hannah Bradley joined the mix on the next draw situation.  She scooped up the loose ball and helped the WildCats go on the offensive.  After running the offense well, Campbell ripped one in for her second of the game.

Once again, Dorton pulled in the next draw, and forced the Marlins into committing two fouls.  With 24:51 on the clock, Leah Hughes hit Riccardi near the crease, and Riccardi scored to bring the 'Cats within two.  Schallock came back with a quick one, which started a three-goal streak that put Virginia Wesleyan back up five.

Shortly after, Marciniak finished off her hat trick to bring the WildCats back within four.  However, Randolph would get no closer, as VWC went on a run to seal the victory.  Teagan Stanley added a free position goal with 1:09 left, but the hosts would go onto win.

Dorton finished the day with six draw controls to go with her two goals.  Campbell pulled in three to go with her two tallies, while Marciniak added a CT along with her hat trick.  Taylor Gamble forced two turnovers and scooped up two ground balls in the game.

Randolph (2-15 overall, 1-8 ODAC) ended its season with the conclusion of the game.  It also spells the end of the careers of Riccardi and Carrie McCane.  The two seniors combined to play in 122 games, with both in the top-six in career games played.  The two contributed greatly to the team on and off the field during their careers.

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