WELLESLEY, Mass. (March 26, 2011) – Using a balanced scoring attack, the Wellesley College women's lacrosse team topped Mount Holyoke College 12-7 this afternoon in the NEWMAC opener for both squads. With the win, the Blue improved to 6-1 on the year. The Lyons fell to 3-4.

Senior midfielder Vika Planson and junior attacker Alex Crean posted two goals apiece to lead the way for Mount Holyoke. The Lyons' remaining strikes came from junior Hilary Bombard, sophomore midfielder Katya Planson and first year Brianne Phelan.

Junior midfielder Meredith Roy registered a hat trick to set the tone for Wellesley. Attackers Allison Robbins, Britt Mscisz and Jenny Holland posted two goals and one assist apiece. Meanwhile, first year Kate Lonergan also tallied twice.

The Blue jumped out to a 4-0 advantage and led 6-1 following a goal by Mscisz at the 8:44 mark of the opening period. Mount Holyoke made its way back into the contest with consecutive tallies from Planson and Crean. The Lyons trailed 6-3 at the intermission.

Wellesley (6-1, 1-0 NEWMAC) created separation with five straight goals over a span of 7:11 in the early stages of the second stanza. Roy found the net twice to spark the rally. The Blue enjoyed a 12-4 edge after sophomore midfielder Elizabeth Clemetson scored at the 16:12 mark.

Mount Holyoke closed out the game with three straight goals over the final 12 minutes, but it was not enough.

Wellesley finished with advantages in shots (25-18), ground balls (21-17) and draw controls (12-9). Senior goalkeeper Mary Mattia came up with eight saves for the hosts. Sophomore Jamie Theophilos got the start between the pipes for the Lyons. She made five saves over the first 48 minutes before giving way to first year Melissa Saale, who turned away two shots over the final12 minutes.

Mount Holyoke (3-4, 0-1 NEWMAC) will return to action on Wednesday, when it hosts Eastern Connecticut State University at 4:30 p.m.