ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan College women's lacrosse team fell 17-9 in their season opener on Tuesday afternoon falling to non-conference foe Hanover College (IN).

Wesleyan got out to a quick 2-0 lead thanks to sophomore midfielder Ali Cucinotta and freshman midfielder Madison O'Neill. After 3 straight goals from Hanover, Cucinotta would then tie the game at 3 with 14 minutes to play in the first half. Unfortunately, Hanover would then end the half on a 6-0 run to lead 9-3 at the break.

Hanover would jump out to a 11-3 lead in the second half before Wesleyan would go on a 6-3 run midway through the half thanks to goals from Cucinotta, O'Neill, and freshman attacker Grace Look to trim HC's lead down to five at 14-9. However, Hanover would end the game on a 3-0 run for the win.

Cucinotta, O'Neill, and Look each led the Bishops with three goals each while Cucinotta also added an impressive 11 draw control wins and 6 ground balls.

Freshman goalie Millenia Crespo also made 17 saves on the day while the Bishops recorded more ground balls than the Panthers 16-10.

Wesleyan goes to 0-1 while Hanover improves to 1-2. The Bishops remain home to host D-2 Barton College on Thursday at 4 PM.