DETROIT, Michigan – In just its second-ever outing, the Youngstown State women's lacrosse team (1-1, 1-1 MAC) earned the program's inaugural win over Mid-American Conference-foe Detroit Mercy on Saturday, 12-7.
The Penguins' offensive attack was led by Lauren Ottensmeyer, who netted a program-best five goals on the day. The Ballwin, Missouri, native owns a team-high seven goals on the season. Emma Carter (3) and Erin Clark (2) also notched multiple-goal outings during the game.
Callie Vaudry and Aryss Lindsey also assisted in YSU's scoring effort, each tallying a goal in the victory. Lindsey's goal acted as her first of the season.
Senior goalkeeper Elicia Wells had another notable performance in the cage, posting 11 saves (seven first half, six second half) on 23 Titans' shots during a full 60-minute outing.
YSU capitalized on its free-position shots throughout the clash with Detroit Mercy, shooting 50% on the day (4-8). The Penguins held the Titans to a 0-5 mark in the category.
The 12 team goals scored is a game-high on the season.
The Penguins jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead in the first six minutes of the contest following Ottensmeyer and Carter scored two goals apiece with Vaudry also finding the back of the net and scoring her fifth goal of the season.
The Titans ended their scoreless streak at the 20:24 mark in the first half, however, just 90 seconds later Carter secured the individual hat trick on an assisted goal by Abby Yesko and extended the Guins lead back to five.
Ottensmeyer helped the Penguins to their biggest lead of the game (6) after netting her third goal with 16:37 left in the half, forcing the Titans to burn a timeout. Out of the pause, Detroit Mercy would tally back-to-back goals to bring the score back to 7-3 in favor of Youngstown State.
YSU would end the half on a 2-0 run and take a 9-3 halftime advantage into the locker room.
Finding a bit of momentum, the Titans surged out of the break, slipping two into the cage in the first 90 seconds of second-half play and bringing the scoreboard to 9-5, Penguins. After a 15-minute scoreless spell, Ottensmeyer reignited a fire within the YSU offense, scoring her fourth goal and giving the Penguins the five-goal lead with under 14 minutes to play.
The two squads each added two more to the scoreboard before the clock hit zeros, bringing the final score to 12-7. The Penguins' goals were attributed to Erin Clark, who scored on a free-position shot with 10:45 on the clock and Lauren Ottensmeyer, who scored on an unassisted shot with 8:22 left to play.
Youngstown State is back in action March 19 against Central Michigan in the program's home debut at Farmers National Bank Field. First draw is scheduled for 7 p.m.
For news and updates throughout the season, follow @YSUwlax on Twitter.
