GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Guilford College women's lacrosse team (8-8, 3-5 ODAC) closed out its regular-season home schedule Saturday afternoon, falling 20-5 to Virginia Wesleyan University (9-6, 4-3 ODAC) at Appenzeller Field.

The day began with a pre-game Senior Day celebration, honoring a veteran class that has been instrumental in the program's turnaround this season. The Quakers recognized the contributions of eight seniors, Trinity Whitfield (Greensboro, N.C.), Natalia Rubio (Greensboro, N.C.), Kaylee Carr (Plant City, Fla.), Leyla Strong (Concord, N.C.), Emily Parker (Lillington, N.C.), Brenna Holden (Kernersville, N.C.), Karly Smith (Greensboro, N.C.), and Kylie Wood (Greensboro, N.C.), alongside graduate student Hannah McMasters (Browns Summit, N.C.).

Marlene Nusraty (Damascus, Md.) went the distance in goal for Guilford, recording eight saves and leading the team with five ground balls. On the opposing side, Melissa Dolt earned the win with three saves in 45 minutes of action, while Shayla Hayes stepped in for the final period.

The Marlins were led by a lights-out performance from Reese Morgenthaler, who tallied nine goals on 11 shots while picking up four ground balls. Kenna Duplechin also fueled the visitors with five goals and 11 draw controls.

Guilford's offense was led by Emma Garland (Hampstead, N.C.), who finished with three points on two goals and an assist. McMasters contributed a goal and a draw control, while Parker and Carm DeFeo (Shelton, Conn.) each found the back of the net once. 

On the defensive end, DeFeo and Nusraty anchored the unit with two caused turnovers apiece. They were supported by Smith, Holden, Garland, and Re'lla Grissett (Fayetteville, N.C.), who each forced a turnover to help disrupt the Marlins' transition game.

The Quakers struck first as Garland opened the scoring unassisted just two minutes into the first quarter. After the Marlins responded with two goals, Parker converted an unassisted strike at the 9:34 mark to tie the contest at 2-2. However, Virginia Wesleyan answered with a 4-0 run to end the frame with a 6-3 lead after DeFeo netted a late goal for Guilford.

The second quarter belonged to the Marlins, who shut out the Quakers to take an 11-3 advantage into the halftime break.

Virginia Wesleyan continued the surge in the third period, extending the lead to 17-3.

In the final frame, the Quakers continued to battle. Garland notched her second goal of the afternoon off a feed from Kennedy Gates (Cornelius, N.C.) with 8:13 remaining. In the closing minutes, McMasters took a pass from Garland and fired it home to reach the final 20-5 tally.

Despite the outcome, the Quakers have officially clinched a postseason bid, marking the program's first trip to the ODAC tournament since 2021. Stay tuned for updates on postseason seeding and opponent information.

#GoQuakes