The Butler women's lacrosse team defeated Xavier 19-12 in head coach Maggie Zentgraf's BIG EAST debut. The victory was the first ever conference win for Butler as well as the first ever meeting between the Musketeers and Bulldogs. Butler have won their third straight moving them to 5-4 on the season while Xavier moves to 4-5.
 
How it happened
 
Patricia Lynn led the Bulldogs to a hot start scoring twice in the first five minutes. Campbell Connors added to the scoring to build a three-goal cushion before Xavier would net two of their own to bring the game within one. The second half of the period saw a repeated pattern as Butler scored a quick three goals to give themselves a 6-2 lead before Xavier brought it back with two goals of their own.
 
The teams went back and forth in the second period. Both teams recorded nine shots, three saves, four turnovers, and five draw controls a piece. Despite what was an evenly matched period, five different Bulldogs managed to find the net while Caroline Smith and her defense held Xavier to four to create an 11-8 score line.
 
Defense in the third helped Butler take firm control of the game. Butler created seven turnovers, while Smith had four saves. Again, five separate Bulldogs would score to help win the period 5-1, including four consecutive going into the fourth.
 
Carrying over their momentum from the third, Leah Rubino notched back-to-back goals to cap off her five-goal game. Connors would conclude the scoring for Butler to build a 10-goal led. With six minutes to play, Xavier created three quick scores in under a minute, but the deficit proved too much for the Musketeers and Butler held on to the win.
 
 
Notable Stats
 

• As a team, Butler recorded their season high in goals (19), points (23), and shots on goal (30).
• Defensively, the Bulldogs tied their season high in caused turnovers (9).
• Leah Rubino earned her third consecutive game with four or more goals.
• Campbell Connors notched her season high in goals with four.
• Butler was 7-8 on Free-position shots.
• Freshman Patricia Lynn set a new her career high with back-to-back goals to start the game.
• KK Callaghan, Kate Kaptrosky, and Kaley Attaway all added two goals.

 
 
Up Next
 
Butler returns to action next Wednesday, April 5 when they take on BIG EAST opponent, Denver. First draw is set for 1 p.m.