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LATROBE, Pa. (March 22) - Maggie Nelson and Hannah Carroll combined for 21 points as the Saint Vincent women's lacrosse team downed Franciscan 18-11 in non-conference action at the SVC Turf. 

Nelson totaled a career-best 14 points in the contest, the second highest single-game total in program history. During the contest, the junior also surpassed the 200 point plateau for her career. Carroll also put together a strong game, scoring five goals and adding two assists in the win over the Barons. 

After Saint Vincent started the game with back-to-back goals, Franciscan countered with three straight scores to take the lead with 23:12 to play in the first half. Nelson and Carroll would account for the next four goals, giving SVC a 6-3 lead at the 17:06 mark. 

The Barons would stop the SVC run momentarily with a goal before Nelson and Carroll would combine to tack on four straight scores, making it 10-4 with 9:13 left in the half. Katie Stallings, Sarah Wallerstedt and Anita Onufer would each tally a goal down the stretch of the first half as the Bearcats took a 13-8 into the break.

The halftime break did not cool down Carroll and Nelson as the duo tallied a goal apiece to push the Bearcats lead to 15-8 with 19:50. The two teams would each score three goals the remainder of the game, with Wallerstedt, Calsey Holshue and Nelson scoring for the Bearcats. The goals by Onufer and Holshue were their first scores of the season, respectively. 

Wallerstedt led the Bearcats in ground balls (8) and caused turnovers (4). Stallings put together a strong effort on the draw, winning seven controls. Emma Weaver led the defense with six ground balls and three caused turnovers. Maria Franey picked up the win in goal, recording 11 saves. 

The win improves SVC to 3-2 overall, while Franciscan drops to 1-4 for 2017. 

Saint Vincent opens Ohio River Lacrosse Conference play against Westminster College on Wednesday, March 29. Start time is slated for 4 p.m.