Findlay, Ohio - The University of Findlay women's lacrosse team secured an 11-5 victory against the Malone Pioneers in their Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) season debut. The two teams matched up Thursday, March 19 at the Armstrong Complex in Findlay, Ohio. With the win, the Oilers open their conference slate 1-0 and move to 3-4 overall.

The Oilers started strong, shutting out the visitors in the first period behind goals from Rebecca Chmiel and Carrigan McCormack to take a 2-0 lead. After Malone got on the board early in the second, Findlay responded with a dominant three-goal run, capped by two Karissa Allbright goals, to enter halftime up 5-1.

Malone fought back in the third period, scoring two late goals to cut the deficit to 6-3 heading into the final frame. However, Findlay came out firing in the fourth, erupting for five goals. Chmiel completed her hat trick early in the period, and Allbright and Amelia Dillon each scored twice in the quarter to put the game out of reach and seal the 11-5 win.

Allbright led the offensive effort for the Oilers with a game-high four goals, while Dillon and Chmiel each added three. Chmiel also recorded an assist to finish with four points in the contest.

Natalie Wright and Hollyn Newport distributed two assists each. In goal, Caroline Weber earned the win, making three saves in her 30 minutes of play, while Josie Owens made two saves in relief.

Defenders Elaina Smith and Brinlee Barry led the way on the defensive side of the ball, each collecting a pair of ground balls and three caused turnovers. Anna Woods had three caused turnovers, as well, to go along with four ground balls.

Findlay finished the game heavily outshooting Malone 29-12 and held an 11-7 advantage in draw controls. Malone narrowly edged out Findlay in ground balls (23-22).

The Oilers play host to Walsh University on Saturday, March 21 in Findlay. That game will start at 7:00 pm under the lights.