Williamsburg, KY – Emily Heim dished out program-best seven assists, while five Patriots finished with at least three goals as the fourth-ranked UC women's lacrosse team defeated Thomas More 24-1 in their home opener Tuesday night at the UC Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.  With the win the Patriots improve to 5-1, while the Saints move to 0-3.

The Patriots were in control right from the opening draw as Heim found Shea West in front of the cage for a goal 24 seconds into the first half.  Amanda Phillips netted two of UC's next three goals, before Elizabeth Fladung scooped the draw control, raced up field, and put a well-placed shot into the cage to make it 5-0 with 27:32 remaining.  After Stephanie Meyer went near post with a shot, off the assist from Heim, Berry and Heim converted free position attempts to extend the lead to 8-0, four minutes in.  Bella Ricchiazzi and Berry combined for seven of Cumberlands next nine goals to give the Patriots a 17-0 lead at half.
Cumberlands strong play continued in the second half as Berry found Katie Brewer in front of the cage for a goal four minutes in.  Thomas More took advantage of a man-up opportunity as Jeni Hall converted a free position shot, however the Patriots responded quickly as Phillips ran a give-and-go with Berry to make the score 19-1 with 21:14 remaining.  Heim dished out three assists and netted a goal as part of UC 5-0 run make it 24-1.  The final goal came from Madison Holiday, who tallied her second goal of the season.

In addition to seven assists, Heim recorded a career-high ten points, while tying her career-high with nine draw controls.  Berry finished with ten points, seven goals and three assists, while Phillips and Ricchiazzi posted five points apiece. Phillips also scooped a season-high five draw controls.  West netted her second consecutive hat trick.

Emily Cabrera improve to 2-0 in goal on the season. The Patriots backline of Fladung, Trinity Brown, Kelly Webb, and Briana Kucis combined for seven draw controls, two caused turnovers, and two ground balls.

UC returns to action Friday, March 8, when they face tenth-ranked Tennessee Wesleyan.  The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. with live video of the game available here, while live stats are available here.

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