ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Winthrop lacrosse program opened their 2023 season with a 16-13 victory over the Kennesaw State University Owls at home on Wednesday afternoon. The 16 goals was the most by Winthrop in a season opener since a 19-6 win over Presbyterian on Feb. 14, 2021.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The visitors started the game up 3-0 one minute in before five straight goals put Winthrop ahead for the first time.
• Molly Dankowski capped the run with a minute left in the first quarter.
• The Owls scored with less than thirty seconds to go in the quarter.
• In the second quarter both teams combined for only four goals but three of the goals were by the Eagles.
• Lexi Johnson's goal on a man-up opportunity with 1:58 left put Winthrop up 8-5 at the half.
• Early in the fourth quarter, Winthrop seized their largest lead of the game at 13-8 with 11:25 remaining on a Grayson McKenzie goal. This was courtesy of the Eagles outscoring KSU 5-3 after halftime up to this point in the game. Dankowski led the Eagles with two goals during the run.
• The Owls began to fight back by scoring the next three goals to cut Winthrop's lead to 13-11 with 8:36 left.
• KSU would score two more but McKenzie scored Winthrop's final three goals to secure the victory. McKenzie's final goal came with 2:53 left.

NOTABLES (TEAM)

• Nine different Eagles scored a goal.
• Winthrop outshot KSU in shots on goal, 24-17.
• Winthrop nabbed 15 groundballs to KSU's 11.
• Both teams were even at seven in free position shots.

NOTABLES (INDIVIDUAL)

• Grayson McKenzie (5 G, 5 SOG, 2 GB, 1 CT, 3 DC)
• Scarlet Cifarelli (4 AST, 2 SOG, 2 GB)
• Molly Dankowski (3 G, 5 SOG, 2 GB, 3 DC, 2-4 FPS)
• Gabby Pierpont (1 G, 2 GB, 1 CT, 2 GB)
• Maddy Hodgson (60 MIN, 13 GA, 4 SV, W, 1-0)

ON DECK
Winthrop returns home to face Clemson on Saturday, Feb. 18.