Women’s Lacrosse drops season opener vs Young Harris

Salisbury, N.C. —- The Catawba College women's lacrosse team fell in their 2023 season opener against Young Harris at Shuford Stadium on Thursday afternoon, 17-7. The Mountain Lions improve to 1-0, while the Catawba Indians drop to 1-0 on the young season.

Charlie Skepple led the way with three goals on 10 shot attempts, nine of which were on goal. Ella McCusker was the only other multi-goal scorer for Catawba, recording a pair of goals on nine shots. Evie Kauserud notched 10 saves in goal. Kinsley Purser led YHC with four goals and an assist. 

Catawba was able to keep up with Young Harris getting shots on goal, as the Mountain Lions held a slim 27-23 advantage, but goalkeeper Maddy Meyers piled up 16 saves to keep the Catawba offense in check.

Young Harris scored all four goals in the opening quarter and led 6-0 by the 3:52 mark of the second period. Catawba's Sarah Maier scored the team's first goal of the season with two and a half minutes to go in the half off a free-position shot. YHC led 7-1 at the halftime break.

Catawba scored back-to-back goals midway through the third quarter with scores from McCusker and Skepple. The two combined for two more back-to-back goals to start the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 11-5. Caroline Cox scored her first career goal in the fourth before the Mountain Lions poured on four unanswered scores to end the game.

The Catawba Indians take a week off before traveling to Lees-McRae next Saturday, Feb. 18 for a 1 p.m. start.