HARRISONBURG, Va. – It was only a matter of time before the offense exploded.

The Royals picked up seven goals in the second half and nine in the third en route to a 19-9 women’s lacrosse win over Waynesburg.

Records: EMU 1-4 | Waynesburg 1-2, 0-0 PAC

Highlights
• The Royals got on the board first, less than five minutes into the contest. After Cristal Narciso came up with a big save, the Royals were able to pick up a clear attempt. Down in the Yellow Jackets offensive end, Aaliyah Lawhorne beat the Waynesburg keeper, putting EMU ahead 1-0.

• 10 minutes later, Courtney Crawford added to the lead when she was fouled. Her free position shot found the back of the net, making it 2-0 Royals. Waynesburg added a goal late in the quarter, but EMU held a 2-1 lead after one.

• Waynesburg took a 3-2 lead with the first two goals of the second quarter, forcing EMU to call timeout.

• Whatever head coach Mikaela Brooks said to the team in the timeout must have worked as EMU scored seven goals over the next 10 minutes. In the span of just over a minute, Grace Hughes picked up a goal and Amber Bonds added two, one on an assist from Hughes. Hughes added another one before Waynesburg scored, cutting their deficit to 6-4. Hughes added two more and Alex Palizzi chipped in a goal to give the Royals a 9-4 lead at the half.

• Crawford, Palizzi and Hughes pushed the lead to eight just two and a half minutes into the third quarter. The Yellow Jackets were able to pull within six, but EMU’s offense continued to dominate, adding six goals in the final 5:32 to put EMU on top by 12.

• Waynesburg was able to add a trio of goals in the fourth, but one more from Lawhorne kept EMU ahead by 10. The Royals defense, led by Narciso in the cage, was strong down the stretch and helped the Royals secure the 10-goal win.

Statistical Leaders
Hughes: 7 goals, 2 assists
Palizzi: 4 goals, 5 draw controls
Bonds: 2 goals, 3 assists, 6 draw controls
Narciso: 9 saves

What’s Next
EMU will hit the road once again on Saturday when they travel to Danville to take on Averett. Game time is 1 pm.

— EMU Athletics —