WASHINGTON, Pa. -- The Washington & Jefferson women's lacrosse team battled Allegheny tough in its 2019 opener on Saturday, March 2, but the Presidents were unable to quell the Gators' offense in a 19-9 defeat. 

The Presidents found themselves within one goal after the first 36 minutes of today's contest, 8-7, following a Rae LaRochelle (East Sandwich, Mass./Sandwich) tally. Unfortunately for the Red & Black, the Gators ended the game by scoring 11 of the final 13 goals. Allegheny's offensive run was sparked by a 21-9 advantage in draw controls. 

W&J was led offensively in the game by LaRochelle, who scored five goals. LaRochelle, who also recorded a game-high 10 shots, scored five-plus goals twice last season. 

Sofiya Bobrovnikova (Philadelphia, Pa./Northeast) was next on the team with two goals in the game. The sophomore from Philadelphia, Pa. was one goal shy of her career high of three from April 28 of last season. 

Rounding out the Presidents' goal scorers were Alexis Miller (Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley) and Graycen Vitale (Gibsonia, Pa./Mars Area) with one each. Both Kayla Boulas (North Branford, Conn./North Branford) and Piper Schinsky (Princeton, N.J./The Hun School of Princeton) were credited with assists in the game, the latter tallying her first career point. 

In goal, Sara Maute (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J Roberts) started and made 10 saves in 48:52. Freshman Sam Lenfesty (Frederick, Md./Frederick) entered in relief and made two stops. 

The Red & Black are scheduled to return to action tomorrow afternoon with a road bout against Medaille at 2 p.m. in Buffalo, N.Y.