WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Whitworth University earned its first victory of the 2020 lacrosse season in record-setting fashion, rolling past Whitman College 19-5 on Wednesday evening.

The visiting Pirates (1-2 overall, 1-2 NWC) defeated the Blues (0-4, 0-3) for the first time by scoring 19 goals, breaking 2019's high of 16 in their only win of last season.

Sidney Tripke tallied five goals and an assist, breaking the previous Pirate record of four goals in one match set by Trinity Frank last spring.  Kylee Walker contributed four goals for the Bucs.

Walker and Tripke each scored consecutive goals in the early going to give the Pirates a quick 4-1 lead.  Carcie Chappell sandwiched goals around one by Liah Gingerich to extend the lead to 8-1, helping Whitworth take a 10-3 lead at halftime.

Tripke, Walker and Gingerich all scored in a 6-1 run in the first 11 minutes of the second half that allowed the Pirates to extend the lead to 16-4 and the rout was on. 

Whitworth also established new all-time highs for shots taken (41) and shots on goal (27).  The Bucs were successful on 5 out of 16 free position shots and held the Blues to 0-3 on those attempts.

Madison Gotthardt earned her first victory in goal for the Pirates, making six saves in 11 shot attempts. 

Whitworth will try to win a second match when the Pirates host Puget Sound on Saturday.