LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Capital University women's lacrosse team (1-0, 0-0 OAC) opened their season on Saturday at Transylvania (0-1, 0-0 HCAC) one what would be a historic day for Capital senior midfielder Grace Osborn, who broke the NCAA Division III record for career goals, scoring nine on the afternoon to bring her current total to 394 and passing the old mark of 389. 

Osborn was joined on the scoresheet by Ava Vendetti (7), Andi Henry (5), Dylan Smith (1), and Heather Stoner (1) as the Comets outscored Transy 23-7 to secure their first win of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Cap made quick work of their opponents in the first quarter, opening up the game with four straight scores, one coming via Ava Vendetti and the other three courtesy of Grace Osborn, with Andi Henry picking up two assists. CU would continue to go on two scoring runs of three-straight and one scoring run of four-straight before the end of the quarter, only occasionally interrupted by a score from the other side. After the first 15 minutes, Capital had put together a running-clock-worthy lead of 14-3. 

From then on, the Comets adopted a more deliberate pace, scoring four more in the second, three in the third, and two in the fourth to bring their overall total to 23. On the defensive side of the ball, the Purple and White would hold Transylvania to just four goals for the remainder of the game, one in the second and three in the fourth, with a shutout in the third. When it was all said and done, CU had secured a dominant first game victory, 23-7. 

QUOTE FROM COACH CONCHECK
"I'm really proud of the way we came out today. We started the game strong and dominated possession, which allowed for early opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. Our draw team is lethal and this was a key factor for us in order to capitalize on our offensive end. Our defense played physical and united today as well which we were impressed by. We are excited for continued growth as a group and eyes forward!"

NEW (AND OLD) FACES
The Purple and White welcomed a few new faces to the field as Amber Street and Tori Eing made their debuts for the Comets. Capital also welcomed back graduate students Dylan Smith and Avery Hart who returned to the team after a year-long hiatus following their senior seasons.

THE NUMBERS
Grace Osborn scored nine goals with four assists for a total of 13 points. She also secured 12 draw controls with one ground ball. Her nine goals gives her 394 in her career, breaking the previous NCAA Division III record of 389. With 13 points she also became the first Capital player to surpass 500 career points, now sitting at 503 and staring down the current DIII record of 509.

Andi Henry recorded a new career high of 12 points after scoring five goals and dishing out seven assists, going 2-for-2 on free-position shots. She also scooped up two ground balls with two draw controls and one caused turnover.

Ava Vendetti tied her career highs for points with eight and goals with seven. She dished out one assist while also collecting four draw controls and three ground balls.

Dylan Smith and Heather Stoner rounded off the scorers for the Comets with one goal apiece. Stoner also grabbed a ground ball.

Closing out the ground ball game was Avery Hart (2 GB), Ele Shalawylo (1 GB), Brenna Todd (1 GB), and Leah Leno (1 GB).

Capital keepers Emily Serafinchon (1-0) and Tori Eing split time in the cage. Serafinchon made the start and played the first three quarters, making three saves and picking up her first win of the season. Eing came in for the fourth quarter and made one save.

UP NEXT
The Comets will open up their home schedule on Sunday, February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. as they host the Berry College Vikings from Mount Berry, Georgia.