CONWAY, S.C. - The Coastal Carolina women's lacrosse team began its 2024 campaign today in a back and forth 10-9 loss today against the Vermont Catamounts at Brooks Stadium. 

Preseason All-Conference selection and senior midfielder Avery McIlwaine opened her scoring account for the new season, giving the Chants an early 1-0 lead. Coastal put two more on the board before the end of the first quarter, leading 3-1 after the opening 15 minutes. 

After Vermont battled back early in the second period to make it 3-3, graduate Bethany Bruck broke the deadlock with her first goal of the night, putting CCU back on top 4-3 with 8:39 to play in the opening half. Both teams would trade goals through the half's final stretch, with the Catamounts going into the break holding on to a slim 6-5 lead. 

McIlwaine netted the equalizer just over a minute into the second half, knotting the score at six apiece. A minute later, senior Sydney McClure restored the Coastal lead with 12:42 remaining in the third quarter. Vermont would once again equalize just before the quarter's final whistle, entering the final frame tied at seven. 

Senior Monica Manley reclaimed the lead for the Chants, putting them back in front with 11:08 to play in the fourth. The Catamounts would put three more goals on the board before Coastal could respond, moving the score to 10-8 with five minutes remaining. Manley gave CCU life down the stretch, completing her hat-trick to put the Chants down one with just under two minutes until the final whistle. Unable to supply another equalizer, Coastal suffered its first loss of the 2024 season in a 10-9 defeat to the Vermont Catamounts on opening day. 

The Chants are back at home on Sunday, Feb. 11, as they are set to face the Wofford Terriers at 12 P.M. ET. 

For complete coverage of CCU women's lacrosse, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalWLAX (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com