Box Score VIRGINIA BEACH, Va--- Freshman Carrie Jacobs scored a career-best three goals to lead Randolph-Macon past Virginia Wesleyan, 4-1 Wednesday evening. The Yellow Jackets improved to 9-7, 6-2 in the conference, while the Marlins dropped to 7-8, 5-3 in ODAC play.
With both teams sitting at 5-2 in conference action and the second seed in the ODAC Tournament on the line, the freshman Jacobs stole the show, recording her first ever hat trick. The women received the number two ranking in the conference tournament and earned a first round bye.
Jacobs jumped up to second in the ODAC in points (27) and goals (12). She recorded five shots on the evening, four on goal.
VWC struck first when Taylor Lober found Tanya Puccio in the 16th minute to take the early lead. Jacobs responded 11 minutes later, scoring her first goal ofthe contest. Both squads had opportunities in the first stanza, recording nine shots each. However, the score remained tied entering intermission.
Just two minutes in to the second period, Melanie Graham scored the eventual game-winner on a penalty shot to give the Yellow Jackets the 2-1 advantage. With 10 minutes remaining, Mikalea Rumley found Jacobs to push the lead to two goals. Three minutes later, Lauren Seal fired a pass to Jacobs, who found the back of the cage to finish the hat trick. Seal now leads the team and ranks second in the conference in assists.
Rachael Gardner chipped in three shots, two on goal and Graham posted three shots, scoring her third goal of the year.
Nicole Woodworth picked up her ninth victory in goal. She recorded two saves, giving her an ODAC-best 153 on the year. Kirsten Olson took the loss for the Marlins, stopping nine shots in the contest.
Randolph-Macon outshot Virginia Wesleyan, 16-12, including a 14-3 edge in shots on goal. The Marlins held a 12-6 advantage in penalty corners.
R-MC returns to action in the second round of the ODAC Tournament. Pairings will be set this week and game times are to be announced.
