SWANNANOA, NC - In their highly anticipated season opener, the Warren Wilson women's lacrosse team hosted the Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs on Wednesday, February 21. Despite strong defensive stops in the second half, the Owls lost 10-18. 

The bulldogs opened the scoring in the first quarter with an unassisted goal by Kylie Heinrich. Just one minute later, the Owls returned with a goal from Sydney Weber, the first of her seven goals on the day. The Bulldogs responded with a goal from Olivia Downey and the Owls tied it at 2 from a goal by Weber, assisted by Junior Taylor Smith. However, the rest of the quarter was dominated by the Bulldogs with a final of 2-6 at the end of the first.

Despite quality goals coming from Weber with assists from Taylor Smith and Callie Aerni, it wasn't enough to give the Owls the lead at halftime. Bulldogs led 11-5 entering the 3rd quarter.

The Owls fueled strong defensive stops with Senior Goalie Hayden Drescher anchoring the 3rd quarter with 6 saves from 8 shots. Freshman Gar Watlington put one goal on the board and Weber added another to end the 3rd quarter at 13-7. 

The Bulldogs opened the 4th quarter with goals from Jozlyn Long and Camille Crisp. The Owls responded with 2 assisted goals. Weber fed Watlington from a breakaway and a minute later Callie Aerni passed to Weber for her final goal of the day. The teamwork flowed in the 4th quarter with the final Owl goal coming from Watlington with a feed from Weber. Despite their valiant efforts, the Owls could not come back from the deficit. 

While the outcome was not in their favor, the Owls had notable team performances. Goalie Hayden Drescher tied the program record for saves in a game with 22. Freshman Gar Watlington recorded a hat trick and first collegiate goals. Callie Aerni and Taylor Smith each had 2 assists. Sydney Weber recorded 7 goals, 2 assists, and 12 draw controls.

The Owls are back in action at home on Saturday, February 24 versus NC Wesleyan.