Women’s Lacrosse: Clark’s 6 goals lead the way as Hoos win at Princeton

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

The No. 16 Virginia women’s lacrosse team stayed perfect on the season when they picked up a 20-11 victory at No. 16 Princeton on Saturday in Princeton, N.J.

Princeton (0-1) scored the first four goals of the game and held a 5-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Virginia offense ignited in the final three frames, spoiling the Tigers’ opening day.

Sophomore attacker Rachel Clark scored six goals to lead the Cavaliers (3-0), one of four players to finish the game with a hat trick. Ashlyn McGovern had five goals with Mackenzie Hoeg and Kiki Shaw each scoring three. Morgan Schwab had six points on a goal and five assists.

Princeton held a 6-5 lead four minutes into the second period, but the Cavaliers answered with four-straight goals, including a pair from Clark, and built up a 10-7 lead at halftime.

Virginia scored all eight goals of the third period after winning six of seven draw controls to build up an 18-7 advantage.

Princeton scored its first goal of the half three minutes into the fourth quarter, but the Cavaliers stifled the Tigers’ attempt at a comeback, cruising to a 20-11 victory with most of the final period played under a running clock.

Final score presented by @WellsFargo
1⃣3⃣ Virginia 20, 1⃣6⃣ Princeton 11
Rachel Clark with 6 goals; Morgan Schwab with a goal and five assists #GoHoos⚔️ pic.twitter.com/An3KicK0Hc

— Virginia Women’s Lacrosse (@UVAWomensLax) February 18, 2023

FROM HEAD COACH JULIE MYERS

“The matchup with Princeton is always tough. I am happy with our team maturity and mindset, both of which helped us recover from a slow start. Aubrey (Williams) was huge on the draw and Rachel (Clark) had a great day offensively and in the ride. Our defense stepped up when we needed it and the team kept putting the pressure on Princeton. I am proud of our focus, performance and the outcome.”

NOTES

• The Cavaliers had 32 shots on goal
• Ashley Vernon made six saves for Virginia
• Two Princeton goalkeepers combined for 12 saves with Amelia Hughes stopping 11 shots
• Rachel Clark has had a hat trick in all three games this season
• Virginia had 26 draw controls. Princeton had nine, but only two in the second half

UP NEXT

The Cavaliers jump into conference play by hosting Louisville on Saturday at 1 p.m. in UVA’s first home game of the season.