LAURINBURG, N.C. –West Chester busted out of the locker room at halftime, scoring 9 goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half en route to a 21-7 victory over Regis University (Colo.) in the Rams' 2007 opener Friday afternoon at St. Andrew's College in Laurinburg, N.C.

Holding a slim 6-5 advantage at the break, West Chester's Gina DiDomenicis took a feed from Nicole Haines and beat Regis' goalkeeper 14 seconds into the second. That tally opened the flood gates and the Golden Rams (1-0) wrestled control of the contest away from upset-minded Regis (2-2).

West Chester, ranked third in the country by the IWLCA and fifth by Inside Lacrosse, won the opening draw of the second half, made four passes and DiDomenicis finished with authority to get the Rams going.

"We pulled together as a team in the second half," West Chester head coach Ginny Martino said. "(Regis) applied hard pressure in the first half. They were a tough, physical team. But, we played through it, and once we got into a groove in the second half, things finally started to click."

Stephanie Kienle scored six goals and picked up two assists to lead the offensive attack. Chrissy Kane posted three goals and three assists, while Jackie Baker registered a hat trick to go along with two assists.

All 27 players on West Chester's roster saw action, including both goalkeepers. Freshman Ally Livelsberger started the contest and made four saves and allowed five goals in the first half. She picked up the win in goal in her first college start. Mary Beth Green patrolled the crease in the second half, recording eight saves and allowing just two goals.

DiDomenicis finished with two goals and one assist and Kate McQuade scored twice in her collegiate debut. Mandy Masoner scored once and picked up one assist. Freshmen Alyse Kullman, Katy Crouse and Haines each tallied in their first college games. Sophomore Jen Forney scored her first career goal as well. Three freshmen started in the season opener, along with four sophomores.

West Chester will return to the lacrosse field on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, when they travel to Gannon University for a 1:00 p.m. contest.

2007-03-09