FAIRFAX, Va. – A dominant first half set the tone for the George Mason women's lacrosse team in the Atlantic 10 opener.

The Patriots staked an eight-goal lead by halftime and fended off La Salle for a 15-8 victory on a rainy Friday night at George Mason Stadium. Sophomore Chachi Kelehan led the way with four goals and two assists as Mason (5-4, 1-0 Atlantic 10) won its conference opener for the fourth straight year.

The Patriots scored the first six goals of the game before La Salle (4-5, 0-1) answered. On four occasions in the opening half, Mason scored goals within (at most) 45 seconds of each other. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Benedetto stood tall in the first half, collecting all eight of her saves for the game as she faced 12 shots from La Salle in the opening 30 minutes.

Mason led 9-1 heading into halftime and pushed the lead to as many as 10. The Explorers never got closer than six as the Patriots won their third straight in the series.
In a loss to Oregon on Monday night, the Patriots were beat in both draw controls and ground balls. Both areas were strengths against La Salle.

Mason won the draw control 18-7 and collected 30 ground balls compared to 22 by the Explorers. Hannah Warpinski led the way with five draw controls and Kira Greer corralled five ground balls. Mason also caused 13 turnovers as Las Salle turned the ball over 22 times. Brooke Lorber and Kristin Morgan both set career-highs with three caused turnovers.

The Patriots attempted 37 shots and nine players scored. Warpinski, Jordan Sdanowich and Lorber each added two goals and an assist as nine Patriots scored. Lindsey Tangeman had a goal and a career-high two assists and Alexa McGovern, Hailey Johnson, Melissa Lobaccaro and Taylor Altomare also scored. Kelley Reilley added an assist.

Mason returns to the field against St. Bonaventure at noon on Sunday at George Mason Stadium to wrap up a three-game homestand.