Danville, Va. - N.C. Wesleyan's lacrosse team opened USA South play on Saturday, suffering a 17-2 loss at Averett University. Freshman Alexandra Cucinotta again paced the Bishops statistically, netting a pair of goals and controlling five draws. She added five ground balls and three caused turnovers to complete a solid all-around performance.
The Cougars (1-1, 1-0 USA South) opened up a 4-0 lead over the first ten minutes of play and did not look back en route to their program's first-ever victory. Cucinotta broke through for Wesleyan with a free position goal just before the half, but AU would carry a 12-1 advantage into the break.
Wesleyan's defense settled in to limit Averett to five second half goals, with Cucinotta adding her fifth goal of the season with 13:14 remaining. The Bishops (0-2, 0-1 USA South) managed 13 shots on the day, but AU goalie Breanne Sawall made six saves to preserve the win.
Bishop goalie Sydney Smith notched 14 saves for NCWC.
Wesleyan is set to host reigning USA South champion Meredith College on Wednesday in the Bishops' 2018 home opener. The match is slated for a 4:00pm start at Scalf Field.