WAVERLY, Iowa - Wartburg women's lacrosse opened its 2021 season with a matchup against William Penn University and suffered an 18-9 defeat on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Wartburg Lacrosse Field. The Knights were led by junior Bri Greiskalns who recorded three goals and one assist in the contest and also became the all-time leader in career goals with 105.

Up next, the Orange & Black (0-1, 0-0 MWL) will play host to Missouri Baptist University (0-0, 0-0 KCAC) on Saturday, March 6 at 12 p.m. at the Wartburg Lacrosse Field. 

William Penn managed to jump out to an early 4-1 lead seven minutes into the match. However, the Knights went on a 3-0 run with goals by freshman Britta Solheim, sophomore Olivia Christianson and Greiskalns to cut the deficit to just one. The Statesmen weathered the storm behind a 7-2 scoring run to end the half and went into the break with a five-goal advantage. 

Wartburg was out shot 18-11 in the first and goalkeeper Kelsi Tidwell tallied four saves. The Knights ended the half with a clear percentage of 60% and scooped up 11 ground balls. 

William Penn controlled the run of play in the second half and pushed its lead to nine with 10 minutes left. The rest of the match was a stalemate and the Statesmen came away with the 18-9 victory. Oakdale, Minn. native Greiskalns added another tally in the second and freshman Ellie Johnson posted two goals in the frame. 

The Knights totaled 22 shots including 18 on goal and forced 26 turnovers. Wartburg held a 16-13 advantage on draw controls and went 12-for-21 on clearance attempts. Goaltender Tidwell finished the contest with six saves.