MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Bates women's lacrosse dropped a NESCAC matchup to No. 8 Wesleyan (Conn.) on Saturday, falling 19-6 at Smith Field. The Bobcats battled throughout but couldn't keep pace with the high-powered Cardinals offense.

Wesleyan (6-1, 2-1 NESCAC) jumped out to a 5-3 lead after one quarter, and despite Bates (6-3, 2-2 NESCAC) cutting the deficit to three on a goal by junior Grace Yonchak early in the second (9:56), the Cardinals scored four unanswered to take a commanding 9-4 lead into halftime. The home team would put the contest out of reach by outscoring its guest by a 10-2 margin in the second stanza.

Sophomore Lucy Taylor led the Bobcats with three points on a goal and two assists. Junior Lauren Wong added a goal and an assist, while Grace Cassin, Caroline Keating, and Clare McGeever each netted one goal apiece

In net, junior Raegan White made 13 saves for Bates, but Wesleyan's relentless attack proved too much, as the Cardinals outshot the Bobcats 34-15, including 27 shots on goal. The Cardinals also held an 18-10 advantage in draw controls and collected 16 ground balls compared to Bates' eight.

Wesleyan's offense was led by Mya Waryas, Kiara Tangney, and Becca Dibble, who each recorded hat tricks. Elle Priesing added two goals and three assists for the victors.

The Bobcats sit idle until next Saturday when the garnet and white hosts No. 15 Trinity at noon in another NESCAC showdown.