The top-ranked Salisbury University women's lacrosse team jumped out to a 6-0 lead and defeated the University of Mary Washington, 13-6, on Saturday at a rainy Battleground. The Eagles fall to 7-3 on the season, and 1-1 in CAC play.

Mary Washington came out playing a slow tempo, and the first half score showed, as the first goal came with 18:10 remaining in the half. Five different Sea Gulls scored in their first-half run, led by a pair from Shelby Nemecek. Mary Washington got on the board with 3:42 remaining in the half, as senior Jenna Petrucelli scored the first of her five goals on the day. The Gulls capped the first half scoring to lead, 7-1, at intermission.

In the second half, Petrucelli opened the scoring with 28:40 left, and Salisbury answered with three straight goals to take a 10-2 lead. Petrucelli scored again with 15:49 remaining, but again Salisbury responded with two scores.

Senior Katie Williams scored with 10:54 to play to cut the deficit to 12-4, starting a string of three straight Eagle goals. Petrucelli scored with 4:22 to play and again with 1:48 left to cut the deficit to 12-6 before Salisbury scored in the final minute for the 13-6 victory.

The Sea Gulls led in shots, 25-17, and ground balls, 26-13. The visitors connected on 12-13 clears while UMW was 8-13. Mary Washington led in draw controls, 12-10, with senior Megan Gersbeck leading with four. Mo Sunderland had three ground balls to pace the Eagles.

Petrucelli led UMW with five goals, with Williams adding one. Senior Kelly Dean made three saves on 13 Salisbury shots, while Taylor Paige made a pair of stops against five shots. Nemecek led SU with five goals, and Ashton Wheatley had three saves and Alyssa Harmke none in six minutes of relief.

The Eagles will return to action on Wedenesday when they visit Christopher Newport University at 4:00 p.m. in another CAC matchup.