Box
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Host Nazareth scored eight of the first nine goals against non-conference opponent University of Rochester Friday as the Golden Flyers defeated the Yellowjackets, 13-8, in the women's lacrosse season opener for both teams.

Sophomore Michelle Cook had a career-best five goals with one assist and junior Nora Davis added four goals to pace the Golden Flyers, who won for the first time for new coach Traci Lian.

Nazareth scored three times before the game was two minutes old. Cook, Davis and junior Melissa Brennan each scored unassisted to get the Golden Flyers off to a fast start. After UR's Abby Woodward broke the string, Nazareth rattled off the next five goals to build a commanding 8-1 advantage.

Cook and Davis each scored twice during the scoring spree and Brennan added her second goal of the game. The Yellowjackets rallied to score five of the next six goals to close the gap to 9-6 by halftime. Chelsea Audin scored twice, Woodward added her second goal of the game and Danielle Mondro and Lindsay Dakin also scored.

Nazareth extended its lead by scoring the first three goals of the second half. Cook scored her fifth goal with 26:51 left and Davis added her fourth goal six minutes later. Senior Kate Schneeberger scored just 38 seconds after Davis to make it 12-6.

Dakin and Mary Kate Hannan scored to pull UR to within 12-8 with six minutes left, but Nazareth freshman Megan O'Donnell scored her first career goal with 2:12 left to close out the scoring.

Nazareth had a 29-23 advantage in shots abd a 19-13 edge in ground balls. Schneeberger and senior defender Mary Kate Scardillo each had three ground balls, while Davis and senior Maggie Mullin each had three draw controls.

Nazareth goalie Maria Fusco made 11 saves and Rochester's Leslie Dube had eight.

The Golden Flyers return to action Tuesday when they visit Hamilton to play the defending national champion Continentals at 4 p.m.