CANTON, MO. – The Missouri Baptist University women's lacrosse team delivered a dominant performance Thursday afternoon, rolling to a 24-4 victory over the Culver-Stockton College Wildcats.
Missouri Baptist (2-0) controlled the contest from start to finish, outshooting Culver-Stockton 51-8 and holding a commanding 25-4 advantage in draw controls. The Spartans also won the ground ball battle 33-12 and converted 2-of-4 free-position attempts in the win.
After surrendering the game's opening goal, MBU responded quickly. Marissa Oldham evened the score at 1-1 off an assist from Madison Terrell, sparking an 8-1 run to close the first quarter. Delaney Pechnik tallied three first-period goals, while Terrell added a goal and two assists to help the Spartans take an 8-2 lead after one.
MBU continued to extend its lead in the second quarter. Terrell and Skyler Morrissey each found the back of the net as the Spartans carried a 10-3 advantage into halftime.
Following a Culver-Stockton goal to open the third, Missouri Baptist erupted for nine unanswered scores in the period. Alexis Taylor, Sophia Rose, and Morrissey all scored during the stretch, while Pechnik continued to orchestrate the attack. The Spartans entered the fourth quarter with a 19-4 cushion.
Missouri Baptist added five more goals in the final frame, including a free-position score from Oldham and two more tallies from Pechnik, to secure the 20-goal victory.
Pechnik led all scorers with six goals and four assists for 10 points, while also collecting 11 draw controls. Taylor finished with five goals, Morrissey added four, and Terrell recorded a well-rounded performance with three goals, four assists, nine ground balls, and multiple draw controls. Oldham contributed three goals and two assists, and Rose added a goal and an assist.
In goal, Rachel Livak earned the win after making two saves over 45 minutes of action. Octavia Bookman closed out the final 15 minutes in net.
Missouri Baptist finished a perfect 7-for-7 on clear attempts and forced 17 turnovers defensively.
The Spartans will look to carry their early-season momentum into their next matchup next Friday, Feb. 27, against the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. Face off is set for 1 p.m.
