LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates women's lacrosse opened NESCAC play at home Saturday afternoon, falling 15–5 to No. 5 Wesleyan on Garcelon Field.

The Cardinals (1-0, 1-0 NESCAC) seized control early, scoring eight times in the opening quarter. Maddie Shoemaker fueled the fast start with three first-period tallies as Wesleyan carried an 8–0 advantage into the second frame.

Bates got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter when Laci Raveis capitalized on a man-up chance at 12:44, trimming the deficit to 8–1. Wesleyan answered with two more goals before halftime and took a 10–1 lead into the break. 

The Bobcats showed increased offensive rhythm in the third quarter, generating three goals over an 11-minute stretch. Lauren Wong opened the scoring off an assist from Sarah Stavrovich, Grace Yonchak followed with a finish assisted by Wong, and Samantha Collins added a goal late in the period to make it 12–4 entering the final quarter.

Caroline Keating scored early in the fourth quarter on an unassisted tally to pull Bates within 12–5, but Wesleyan closed the contest with three unanswered goals to seal the conference win.

Wesleyan finished with a 34–17 advantage in shots and controlled 18 of 23 draws. The Cardinals also connected on five of 11 free-position attempts. Shoemaker led all scorers with five goals, while Addie Cummings and Mya Waryas (two assists) each recorded hat tricks for the victors.

Izzy Weintraub (1-0) earned the goalkeeping victory for Wesleyan (60:00, five saves). Molly Urbonas (0-1) took the loss as the sophomore played the first 15:00 for the Bobcats. Virginia Avery made seven saves in 45:00 of relief for Bates. 

Bates (1-2, 0-1 NESCAC) returns to action Wednesday evening when the Bobcats welcome St. Joseph's College to Garcelon Field. Opening draw is slated for 6:00 p.m.