WHEELING, WV. – The 2018 season is officially underway for the No. 9 ranked Regis University women's lacrosse team (1-0). The reigning Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Tournament champions opened their season with a dominating 20-8 win over the Wheeling Jesuit University Cardinals (0-1) on Friday afternoon.
 
How It Happened: Although Regis had a couple of their preseason scrimmages cancelled due to weather and playing conditions, the team came out firing on all cylinders. Offensively, the Rangers could not be stopped, and defensively they shut down many of the chances that WJU put together.
 
At halftime RU built up an 8-3 lead with a variety of players scoring goals. Senior Jada Bonner netted the first goal of 2018, setting the tone for what was to be a very one-sided match for Regis. The No. 9 ranked Rangers spent a majority of the game pelting the Cardinals' goalkeeper with shots, while the RU defense continually disrupted the home team's offensive rhythm.
 
Regis opened up a 15-5 lead with 18:38 left in the second half, extending their lead to 11 goals at different points in the half, before senior Rachel Walker netted a goal with one second on the clock to put the Rangers ahead for good at 20-8.
 
Game Notes: Junior Sarah Myres (5 G, 2 GB, 3 CT) and sophomore Ali Vanek (5 G, 1 A, 6 P) led the way scoring five goals apiece. Freshman Kyleigh Peoples (2 G, 1 A, 3 GB, 8 DC), junior Lauren Hurd (2 G, 4 GB, 1 CT, 3 DC), Bonner (2 G, 5 GB, 2 CT, 5 DC) and junior Wendy Donier (2 G, 1 A) all netted two goals apiece in the match. Bonner had a team-high five ground balls, with Hurd and senior Katie Coleman adding four ground balls each on the defensive end.
 
Along with Peoples, freshman Sarah Kate Dhom registered the first collegiate goal of her career. Walker led the squad with three assists and tallied one goal in the effort. Senior Kenley Harrington (W, 1-0) and sophomore Court Huston split time in between the pipes allowing only eight goals total. Harrington allowed three goals in the first half while Huston conceded five in the second. Overall, the team put together a solid performance, outshooting WJU 34 (27 SOG) to 15 (9 SOG), while also garnering advantages in ground balls 25-21, and draw controls 19-11.    
 
Up Next for the Rangers: The women's lacrosse team will travel to the University of Indianapolis to face the No. 24 ranked Greyhounds on Sunday, February 18 at 9 a.m. (MST).