CONWAY, SC – Nicole Beatson scored a career high seven goals and Alaina Girani set a school record with 18 saves Friday as the Winthrop lacrosse team picked up a big 14-9 victory over the Elon Phoenix.

Winthrop has now won four straight contests, improving its overall record to 5-3.  The loss for Elon is the team's biggest defeat to an unranked team this season and drops the Phoenix to 0-7.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Eagles and Phoenix played an even game through the first 23 minutes as the two sides were tied 4-4.  Winthrop closed the first half on a big run, scoring four unanswered goals in the last 6:41.  Katherine Judge gave the Eagles a 5-4 lead before Beatson scored three straight in the final 5:18, two on assists from Kristen Shriver.

Winthrop wasn't able to continue its momentum into the second half as Elon grabbed the first two goals of the period to pull within two at 8-6 with 24:51 on the clock.  The Eagles responded less than two minutes later to start a string of four straight to take a 12-6 lead.

Elon started to make a run at the Eagles in the final 13 minutes as the Phoenix scored three straight to get within three at 12-9 with just over four minutes remaining.  Winthrop squashed the Elon run with two more goals to cap off the 14-9 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Beatson added one assist to her seven goals and the eight points marked the fourth straight game for the senior with seven or more points.  Her seven goals came on eight shots. 

Katherine Judge, Bianca Tedesco and Allie Yeager each tallied two goals while Kristen Shriver led the team with five assists.  Alaina Girani faced 27 shots on goal, making her 18 saves while allowing only nine tallies.

Winthrop outshot the Phoenix 33-30 and won the draw control battle 14-10.  The Eagles were 22-for-23 on clear attempts and converted three of eight free-position attempts.

WHAT'S UP NEXT

The Eagles will return home for their next contest as Winthrop welcomes the Wofford Terries to Eagle Field on Thursday for a 7 p.m. match.