BREVARD, N.C. – The Brevard College women's lacrosse team (3-4, 1-0 USA South) opened USA South Conference play up with a bang, defeating William Peace University (0-2. 0-1 USAS) 14-2 on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Ives-Lemel Family Field.
 
Brevard used nine first-half goals and a 5-2 edge in the second half to cap off a comfortable home victory. The hosts held a 26-10 shot advantage, forced WPU into 34 turnovers including 20 that were caused, picked up 25 ground balls, won 14 of 20 total draw controls, converted their only free position attempt of the afternoon, and went 10-for-15 on clear attempts.
 
Junior midfielder Emily Denaga matched a career-high point output with nine as the Buford, Georgia product scored six goals with three assists for nine total points. Sophomore midfielder Paige Kneubuhler contributed with four points on offense (two goals, two assists) while causing a career-high eight caused turnovers and scooping 12 ground balls on the defensive end. The eight CTs broke the single-game program record, as the Newburg, Indiana native now holds the program single-season and single-game caused turnover records.
 
Arianna Casertano logged the third hat of her freshman campaign with three goals, while also contributing on the defensive end with four CTs. Xan Hill added two goals and three assists for five points while Grace Vaught also dished out an assist. Kyla Smith-Fondall (2-4) earned her second career victory in goal, making four saves.
 
The Pacers were led by Samantha Autry and Keslee Hylton, who each scored goals. Mary Langer and Mackenzie Kirk caused two turnovers each, and Aryal Brandon made eight saves in goal.
 
Conference play continues for the Tornados next weekend as Brevard travels to Rocky Mount, North Carolina to face North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m.
 
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