Steven Evans, Campus Carrier Sports Editor
The Lady Vikings lacrosse team (1-0, 0-0) opened up the 2014 season with a 15-6 victory over the Methodist University Moncarchs in Fayetteville, N.C.
Midfielders Kristan Dziurzynski, senior, and Rachel Aiken, junior, each recorded four goals for the Lady Vikings, and Aiken added two assists to her stats.
In addition to leadership by the upperclassmen on the team, the freshman Lady Vikings also made an impact on the team, accounting for five of the 15 points scored by the Lady Vikings.
“I think we did a great job shaking off any first game nerves and coming out with a win at the start of our season,” sophomore attack Lizzy Jones said. “I think our freshmen did a great job in their first collegiate game.”
Jones had two points while freshmen midfielder Kelsey McAnnally and defender Angelica Miller each scored two goals to keep the Lady Vikings on top throughout the game.
“I am excited that I scored two goals, but there is still plenty of room for improvement,” Jones said. “I am looking forward to what all this season has in store for us.”
The Lady Vikings kept ahead on offense, holding the edge on shots taken 30-14.
“I feel like we really improved since [the preseason scrimmages],” McAnnally said. “We came together and meshed in the game against Methodist. As a freshman, it was a very exciting experience, and I feel like we were pretty well prepared for the game. There are always things we can improve on and learn from to get better for future games, so I think that’s what we will be doing in preparation for our game against Rhodes.”
Senior goalkeeper Taylor Martin made four saves for the Lady Vikings, while Monarchs freshman goalkeeper Ashley Cannon made 12 saves.
Lady Vikings head coach Shaun Williams said the Lady Vikings adapted well in their first game and played well together.
“We worked hard through practice and came out and played well as a team,” Williams said. “We are just focused on our conference game on Saturday.”
The Lady Vikings will return to action on Saturday where they will open up conference play against the Rhodes College Lynx at Ford Field at 1 p.m.
The Lady Vikings will be looking to improve upon their 8-9 (2-3) record from the 2013 season.
“I am looking forward to what this season holds for us,” McAnnally said. “I also can’t wait to see how we progress throughout the season. We have a very talented group of girls, so I am feeling pretty confident about this season.”