BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Hilbert College women's lacrosse team opened their 2017 season with an 18-10 defeat against Franciscan University in AMCC action this afternoon. 

The Hawks found themselves down early in the game as they were battling the first-game jitters  in contrast to the Barons who completed a two-game Western New York swing, improving to 2-5.

Emily Gawlak and Nikki Schneider tallied all the Hilbert goals, earning six markers off free position shots.  Gawlak scored six times winning 12 draw controls which she drove right to the frame.  Schneider was perfect at the 8 meter mark scoring a trio of shots against the visiting goalie and she led the Hawks with a team-high five ground balls.

Brooklynn Gormel worked hard on defense earning four ground balls while credited with three caused turnovers.

Ashley Repine collected 10 saves in her very first lacrosse game.

The final score doesn't reflect how close the team statistics were.  Hilbert edged Franciscan in shots (38-34), ground balls (25-21), draw controls (16-13), free position shots (13-5) while the Baron's game experience showed through as they converted on 14 of 18 clears and scored on 18 of their 28 shots on goal.

Franciscan opened the game with a 6 goal lead before Schneider beat the goalie at 13:47 in the first half.  The Barons went to half time with an 11-5 advantage and outscored the Hawks by two goals in the second period for the 18-10 victory.

Hilbert returns to action March 29 when they travel to Alfred University for a 4pm game.