The Oglethorpe women's lacrosse team's season got off to a wintry start Saturday at the Oglethorpe Track and Field, as they played through accumulated snow and the accompanying frigid temperatures to secure a 14-11 victory over Truett McConnell in their season opener at the Oglethorpe Track and Field.

After a tight first half resulted in a one-goal game at the break, the Stormy Petrels asserted control over a 10-minute stretch to open the second half. They tallied six consecutive goals over that stretch to take a 12-5 lead with just under 21 minutes remaining on the clock. Sophomore midfielder Tatyana Harris scored twice during the stretch, while senior attacker Jill Czaplinski, sophomore midfielder Samanda Cox and freshman attacker Mikaela Carlsen all posted a goal and an assist. Sophomore midfielder Jalina Rodriguez tallied a free-position goal, as well.

Oglethorpe traded goals with the visiting Bears and still led by seven, 14-7, with just 12:35 remaining. Truett McConnell began to work their way back into the game late, posting four consecutive goals with three of them coming on free-position shots. However, the last came with just 1:25 left, not giving them enough time to complete the comeback.

The Petrels scored the opening two goals of the first half, as Carlsen finished a free-position attempt and freshman midfielder Kendall White found the net. The Bears traded goals with Oglethorpe over the next 12 minutes, but the home side tallied two straight from White over a 1:15 stretch to take a 6-3 lead with 9:33 to go in the opening half. The visitors responded with the final two goals of the period.

White and Czaplinski each tallied hat tricks and each bagged assists. Harris, Rodriguez and Carlsen all netted a pair of goals, as well. Rodriguez led the team with five ground balls and six caused turnovers, while senior goalie Jordan Chandler posted 14 saves on the afternoon. 

Truett McConnell outshot Oglethorpe 34-23 overall and 25-17 on goal while securing 15 draw controls to the Petrels' five. Chandler proved big, however, holding the Bears to 6-for-17 on free-position shots. 

The Petrels get back to action on Sunday, Feb. 16, when they head to Tennessee to take on Sewanee at 2 p.m. Eastern in the SAA opener for both teams. They'll return to the Oglethorpe Track and Field Feb. 19, when they host in-state opponent Piedmont at 5 p.m.