ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop lacrosse team earned its first victory of the season as the Eagles downed Coastal Carolina 11-7 Wednesday behind four goals from Lauren Morris and a strong defensive effort. 

Winthrop improves to 1-6 on the year with the victory while Coastal Carolina falls to 2-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Winthrop has a strong offensive first half, scoring on six of its 10 shots on goal.  The Eagles got on the board just over three minutes into the contest from the stick of Lauren Asher.  The two sides traded the first four goals and were tied 2-2 with 10 minutes to go in the half.

Lauren Morris scored her second of the half to give the Eagles a 3-2 lead and Savanah Paton pushed the Winthrop lead to 4-2.  Winthrop extended their lead to four goals with 2:06 to play but Coastal was able to nab a goal with under a minute to play to get within 6-3 at the break.

Winthrop continued its strong play on both ends of the field in the second half.  The Eagles grabbed the first goal of the second half only 88 seconds into the period.  Coastal pulled one goal back but couldn't gain any momentum as the Eagles responded to each of the Chanticleers goals.  Winthrop extended its lead to as much as six in the second half.  Coastal tried to comeback but its two goals in the final four minutes wasn't enough as the Eagles won 11-7.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Lauren Morris led all scorers with four goals on five shots.  Lauren Asher finished with three points on two goals and one assist while Mia Creighton also scored twice.  Megan Dee led the Eagles with four draw controls and goalie Alaina Girani finished with 11 saves.

Coastal outshot the Eagles 28-21 and put 18 shots on goal to Winthrop's 16.  The two sides were even 10-10 on draw controls and the Chanticleers edged the Eagles on ground balls 16-15.

WHAT'S UP NEXT
Winthrop closes out a three-game home stretch next Thursday with a matinee against Vermont.  The Eagles and Catamounts are slated for an 11 a.m. opening draw.