Erie, Pa. – The Duquesne University lacrosse team rolled to a 21–4 victory on Wednesday afternoon at Mercyhurst, earning its first win of the season. Freshman Madison Welch set the single-game program record with 14 draw controls, while junior Gracin Emerson tied the single-game assist record for the second time this season with seven. Nine different Dukes scored, led by Emma Raines, who posted a career-high with five goals.

Duquesne struck first and never looked back, building a 13–0 lead before Mercyhurst scored its first goal on a free-position shot in the final seconds of the first half. The Dukes carried a 13–1 advantage into the break. Their nine-goal first quarter marked the highest-scoring opening frame in program history since NCAA women's lacrosse shifted to four quarters.

The Dukes closed the game on a 7–1 run to secure a 21–4 victory, taking a 17-goal lead twice, at 20–3 and at the final whistle. The win marks Duquesne's largest margin of victory since 2020.

Sydney Girardi scored the final three goals for the Red and Blue, all unassisted, finishing with four for her first career hat trick or better.

Chelsea Evans and Ali Evans each had three goals and one assist for four-point afternoons, with Ali recording career-high totals in both goals and points. Chloe Holmes went 2-for-2 from the free-position arc for two scores, while Abigail Krogmann notched her first career goal. Addison Scanlon, Megan Marco and Emerson each added one score.

Emerson finished with eight points, tying the single-game program assist record for the second time this season. The seven-assist mark had been held solely by Kat McNish from 2007 (vs. Monmouth) for 6,924 days; Emerson has now reached that total twice in just three games (11 days).

The Dukes, who rank among one of the most efficient shooting teams in the country, converting 21-of-32 shots (.656), with 29 on goal. Duquesne outshot Mercyhurst 32–16 overall, including 12–1 in the opening quarter.

Scanlon led the defense with four ground balls and four caused turnovers, both game highs.

Duquesne dominated the draw circle, 20–6, with Welch's 14 draw controls breaking the single-game program record previously held by Mackenzie Leszczynski (13 in 2023 vs. St. Bonaventure) and Maddie Hart (13 in 2018 and 2019).

Freshman Ella Roach earned her first career win in goal, playing all 60 minutes and making eight saves.

UP NEXT
Duquesne travels to Butler on Sunday for a 1 p.m. matchup in Indianapolis.

FOLLOW THE DUKES
Follow Duquesne Lacrosse all season online at GoDuquesne.com, as well as on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook (@DuqLax).