Belmont, N.C.----Wingate University senior attack Brittany Andrews (Bel Air, Md.) scored the game-winner on an assist from senior midfielder Paulena Dempsey (Jarrettsville, Md.) with 1:53 remaining in regulation, lifting the Bulldogs to an 8-7 NCAA Division II women's lacrosse victory over Belmont Abbey College Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field. The Marylanders combined for four goals and three assists for the visitors.
 
With the road victory, Wingate improves to 3-1 overall for the second year in a row. The fourth-year program returns home Tuesday, hosting the University of Charleston (W.Va.) on Graham Gill Field at the Irwin Belk Track Complex. The first draw control will take place at 2 p.m.
 
"I am so proud of our team's effort today," Wingate head women's lacrosse coach Caline McHenry Olmsted says. "We started off a little slow again, but quickly got back into the game."
 
Olmsted says defense was a big key for the Navy Blue and Vegas Gold-clad Bulldogs. "Our defense was solid," Olmsted says. "We did not allow goals during two cards in the second half. Also, we held strong in the final seconds of the game. Our attack also did a good job of being patient and waiting for the best option and finishing our opportunities."

Andrews led the visitors with three goals and one assist. Dempsey posted one goal and two helpers. WU freshman attack/midfielder Kendall Wells (Elkridge, Md.) had two scores. Belmont Abbey junior attack Rebecca Luna (Massapequa, N.Y.) led all scorers with six points, thanks to five goals and one assist.
 
Luna scored the game's first goal and BAC sophomore midfielder Madison Eberhardt (Lake Mary, Fla.) followed with two scores to put the Crusaders up 3-0 with 19:42 to play in the first half. Dempsey, Andrews and Wells scored one goal each to tie the game five minutes later. The Bulldogs finished the half on a 5-1 run to take a 5-4 lead on Wells' second goal with 3:14 to play. The visitors held the one-goal advantage at the halftime break.
 
In the second half, the game was tied at five, six and seven, but the Bulldogs never let the Crusaders take a lead. Luca was the only Belmont Abbey player to score in the second stanza. Her final goal made the score 7-7 with eight minutes left, setting the stage for Andrews' game-winner.
 
Wingate was three-for-three on free-position shots with three student-athletes scoring one time each: Andrews, Wells and sophomore midfielder Emily Ketron (Mason, Ohio). Senior midfielder Laura Swanson (Plantation, Fla.) caused four turnovers.
 
Bulldog sophomore goalkeeper Arion Pierre (Haymarket, Va.) earned her third victory of the young season with six saves and two ground balls. She played 60 minutes, allowing seven goals. Two Crusader goalies split time, with senior net minder Reilly Johnson (Chapel Hill, N.C.) taking the loss. Johnson played the final 35 minutes, surrendering four goals and recording two saves.