SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's lacrosse team bounced back from its first loss of the season with a convincing 14-3 win over Wheeling Jesuit in non-conference action Wednesday evening at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
 
The Cardinals (3-7) scored the first goal of the game less than five minutes into the opening period, but Slippery Rock responded with 10 unanswered goals to put the game out of reach before halftime.
 
The win improves SRU to 8-1 overall on the year and 5-0 in non-conference action. Wednesday's game marked the final non-conference game of the season for SRU, which will now focus on the final eight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference games of the year. The first two of those games will take place this weekend as The Rock closes out a stretch of three home games in four days when Kutztown visits Friday and No. 11 West Chester visits Saturday.
 
Slippery Rock was in control from the early stages Wednesday and finished the game with advantages of 25-8 in shots and 23-15 in ground balls. The Rock were a perfect 15-for-15 on clear attempts and limited the Cardinals to 12-of-17 on the clear. Wheeling Jesuit posted a 6-1 advantage in draw controls in the second half to finish with a 10-9 edge for the game.
 
Every available player on the SRU roster saw playing time, including both goalies. Emily Bitka improved to 8-1 on the year with one save and one goal allowed in the opening period, while Tori Greco made two saves and allowed two goals in the second period.
 
Tia Torchia registered a hat trick with all three goals in the first half to pace the attack. Caitlynn Palladino and Bre Vodde each added two goals.
 
Ally Culhane, Chynna Chan, Tori Penders, Brittany Brewer, Kaleigh Murray, Erin Brown and Sami Gentzler all scored one goal and ShyAnne Toomer handed out one assist to round out the point scorers.
 
Penders finished with a team-high four ground balls, while Danie Portah led the defense with three caused turnovers.
 
Wheeling Jesuit was paced by Mary Burns with one goal and one assist. Elizabeth Hiles and Lyndsay Carpenter each scored one goal and Maire Austin made 10 saves in goal.
 
Slippery Rock will continue the three-game homestand Friday when Kutztown visits for a 3 p.m. game. The Rock are currently a half-game out of first place in the league standings with a 3-1 conference record, while Kutztown is currently 11th in the standings at 1-4.


 
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