WALLA WALLA, Wash. – A rough third quarter was the difference in the 2026 women's lacrosse season opener for Whitworth on Friday night at Whitman.  The host Blues outscored the Bucs 6-1 in the period on the way to a 14-9 victory.

The Pirates will return to action at home next weekend against George Fox and Willamette.

The opening quarter finished 2-2 as the teams got the feel for the speed of the game and each other's defenses.  Whitman jumped out to a 6-3 lead in the second by scoring three consecutive goals.  The Pirates got back within 6-5 at halftime after late tallies by Campbell Vincent and Megan Whitman.

The tide turned in the third when the Blues scored the first five goals of the second half.  Sarah Hawkins had three of those assists for Whitman.  Vincent scored again to get the Bucs back on the board but Lola McConaghy answered for the Blues to make the score 12-6 after three periods.

Whitman scored twice more to open the final quarter, including one by Hawkins with 11:06 to play.  Whitworth's defense tightened up and did not allow another goal.  Meanwhile Sierra Witte scored twice and Megan Whitman put in the final goal for the Bucs with 2:46 to go.

Whitman outshot Whitworth 34-17 and had an 18-7 advantage in draw controls. 

Vincent led Whitworth with four goals, while Whitman and Witte had two apiece.

McConaghy led the Blues with four goals, while Hawkins had two goals and five assists.