SALEM, Va. – Centre women's lacrosse stumbled in their season opener at Roanoke Saturday, falling by an 18-9 score inside Kerr Stadium despite a career-high six goals from senior Hannah Hardy.
 
After graduating six starters from the 2018 squad, including four all-region players, the Colonels (0-1) faced an experienced team in Roanoke (1-0). The Maroons' roster features eight seniors and four juniors.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Maroons struck early with a free position goal on their first possession, and added three more goals in the opening minutes to race out to a 4-0 advantage.
- Centre settled in and got on the board when Hannah Hardy found her sister, Mary Katherine Hardy, slicing toward the net for the team's first goal of the season.
- Hannah got in on the scoring herself sneaking in a goal near the four-minute mark and another with just 30 seconds left in the period. 
- Roanoke would carry a 7-3 lead into the break
- Hardy continued her hot hand out of the half, scoring early as part of a 3-1 Centre run that brought the Colonels within two at 8-6. Rookie McKenna Hulette scored her first collegiate goal during the stretch.
- The Maroons answered with a three-goal flurry of their own in less than two minutes, however.
- Hardy tacked on two more scores and Abby Whitford added one of her own, but Roanoke continued to hit the back of the net, as well, and sealed the win with four straight goals. 
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Hardy's six goals led all players and was one more than her previous high of five.
- Freshman Amelia Tomasulo finished with one assist. Mary Katherine Hardy and Katy Haering led Centre with three ground balls apiece. 
- Rookie goalie Lola Duff recorded seven saves in her collegiate debut.
- Roanoke doubled up Centre in total shots (32-16) and secured 16 of 23 draw controls.
- The Colonels suffered 21 turnovers.
 
UP NEXT
Centre's extended road swing to begin the season continues next Saturday, Feb. 16, when the Colonels travel to take on Otterbein at 3 p.m. ET.