CLAREMONT, Calif.--The Connecticut College women's lacrosse team (2-3) cruised to a 15-7 victory against Claremont Mudd Scripps (4-1) in non-conference action played on Zenda Field in Claremont Wednesday night. Ashleigh Kowtoniuk (Johnstown, Pa.) stymied the high-powered Athena offense that was averaging 18.75 goals per game with a brilliant 13 save effort in her collegiate debut in goal.

Hope Barone (North Kingstown, R.I.) erupted with four goals and had seven draw controls in the triumph for the Camels. Ali McPherson (Old Lyme, Conn.) chipped in with two goals and two assists for Connecticut College.Katelyn Driscoll (Peabody, Mass.) recorded a hat-trick with three goals in the win.

Junior Sara Christopher (Andover, Mass.) contributed two goals and an assist. Paige Pascarelli (Wayne, Pa.) tallied two scores for the winning side. Ashley Crutchfield (Concord, N.H.) added a goal and an assist for the Camels. Junior Cookie Smith (Framingham, Mass.) corralled a team-high six ground balls to lead the defense in the victory.

CMS senior midfielder Courtney Cronin (Madison, Conn.) had three goals to pace the hosts. Colby Brawner (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) had two goals in the setback for the Athenas. Sophomore net-minder Katie Campbell-Morrison (Cleveland, Oh.) finished with nine saves for CMS.

The Camels broke a 3-3 tie with two quick strikes scored 44 seconds apart near the midpoint of the first half. McPherson made a nifty wrap around move from behind the cage to put the Camels on top 4-3. With 17:11 remaining, Crutchfield launched a 30 yard pass down the right sideline to Pascarelli who took the outlet and sprinted straight to the cage for the transition score.

CMS trimmed the lead to a goal with a goal from Sarah Dick (Beverly, Mass.) at the 15:08 mark. But Barone scored her second goal of the half with 13 minutes to go and the Camels carried their 6-4 advantage into the break.

Connecticut College scored the first four goals of the second half to pull away from the hosts. Christopher scored both of her goals during the run. Crutchfield capped the rally with 18:57 remaining, rifling home a one-timer from point-blank range on a nice feed from McPherson who was strategically positioned behind the cage.

CMS cut the lead to 10-5 but the Camels scored the next three goals to break the game wide open with a 13-5 cushion. Connecticut College was easily able to hold on for the 15-7 win.

2009-03-19