PROVIDENCE, RI – The Johnson & Wales University women's lacrosse team picked a good time to start piling up the goals. On Saturday, the Wildcats started their quest for a third-straight GNAC championship by defeating the Cadets of Norwich, 25-5, in the GNAC quarterfinals. 

Records:
Johnson & Wales: 14-4
Norwich University: 7-10

Goalkeepers:
JWU: Cassidy O'Hara (W 10-3) 5 Saves, 5 Goals
NU: Lawson Hayes (L 6-8) 6 Saves, 25 Goals

Statistical Leaders:
JWU: Maria Patane, 5 Goals, 2 Assists
JWU: Dani Lydecker 4 Goals, 4 Assists 

Of Note:
Maddie Bishara and Marley Medina each found the back of the net in the first 80 seconds of the game, but the Cadets were able to answer with a goal from Kate Winstanley at the 3:03 mark. 

From there, the Wildcats stepped on the gas offensively, outscoring Norwich 17-3 the rest of the half. Maria Patane scored three of her five first-half goals during a 5-0 run. 

Juliana Giello tallied all four of her goals during a 9-0 run that sent JWU into halftime with a 19-4 lead. JWU outshot Norwich, 30-10, in the first 30 minutes of play. 

For the game, Johnson & Wales had a 38-17 advantage in shots while also holding a 12-4 margin for ground balls. 

Up Next:
The Wildcats will host Simmons University on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the GNAC Semifinals.