The Shepherd University Rams made a statement to open Mountain East Conference playing, defeating Notre Dame College 21-3.
This is the first year that the conference is playing lacrosse, and head coach Meghan Keelan says that despite some nervousness, the team came ready to play.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” she said. “It was more excitement nerves than actual nerves. It was definitely a good game.”
Shepherd came out of the gates rolling, scoring seven goals in the first eight minutes of the game, and holding a 15-0 halftime lead.
Senior attacker Georgia Karr recorded three goals, which was tied for a game high, and picked up two assists. She is now second on the team in goals scored with 16.
Sophomore attackers Colleen Monoghan and Brooke Hunley, as well as sophomore midfielder Haley Price each scored three goals.
Junior goalkeeper Savannah Shores picked up four saves without giving up a goal in nearly 40 minutes of field time.
The Rams had 11 different players score a goal in the game.
Keelan says that she saw some good things out of her team.
“We were doing a really good job of limiting our fouling on defense, which is something we focused on,” she said. “And being patient and spread out on offense.”
Shepherd was picked at the beginning of the season to win the Mountain East Conference title, which is in its inaugural. They now hold a 5-3 overall record and 1-0 in conference play.
Shepherd will wait to play until Saturday, April 4, when they will square off against UVa-Wise on the road.