NEWPORT, R.I. – Wellesley College lacrosse fell at Salve Regina University, 15-9, in a NEWMAC opener for both teams at Gaudet Field on Saturday.

The Seahawks (1-4, Overall, 1-0 NEWMAC) were led by senior Kayli Garcia (Southington, Conn.) who scored five goals. Senior Edie Threshie (Stratford, Conn.) was next with four goals to go with a game best six ground balls. Senior Samantha Moleti (Township of Washington, N.J.) contributed seven draw controls, a goal, and an assist. 

First-year Charlotte Petersen-Kopman (St. Louis, Mo.) paced the Blue (1-4 Overall, 0-1 NEWMAC) with five goals and three draw controls. Senior Ryan Boone (Scotch Plains, N.J.) registered three ground balls and a couple of caused turnovers. 

The Seahawks opened the contest with goals from Garcia and senior Cameron Baston (Plantsville, Conn.). Wellesley made it 2-1 when first year Amelia Woodard (Montpelier, Vt.) took a pass from sophomore Katie McCabe (Jupiter, Fla.) and found the back of the net. 

Garcia, Moleti and Threshie all scored late in the quarter. Wellesley junior Finley Tipton (Coppell, Texas) tallied for the Blue to make it 5-2 for the hosts at the end of the first quarter. Junior goalie Anna Blake Patrick (Portland, Ore.) stopped seven shots in the frame for Wellesley.

Salve Regina ran its lead up to 12-2 by halftime. Threshie recorded a hat trick while Garcia scored twice. First year Adelaide Baird (Springfield, Va.) and sophomore Alix Madden (Plymouth, Mass.) each added a point for the green and blue.

The home team scored the first two goals of the third for a 14-2 lead. Wellesley got on the board in the late stages on a free position tally by Petersen-Kopman. 

The Blue carried the momentum into the fourth with a couple of quick goals to pull within 14-5. Salve answered with Garcia's fifth of the contest to regain a 10-goal advantage. Wellesley did not go quietly as the offense produced four goals down the stretch, three by Petersen-Kopman and one by Woodard, but ran out of time as the Seahawks held on for the 15-9 victory. 

First-year Flynn Kayajan (Hyannis, Mass.) earned the win with seven saves for the Seahawks. Patrick finished with seven saves in a quarter of work, while first-year Aspen Caudill (Louisville, Ky.) allowed eight goals with seven saves in 45 minutes of action for the Blue. 

Wellesley takes on Colby-Sawyer at the Spring Fling Women's Lacrosse Tournament in Panama City Beach, Fla. at 11:00 AM ET on Wednesday, April 19. Salve Regina plays at Rivier University on that same day.