LEXINGTON, Va. — Saint Francis University started the 2026 season with a victory as the Red Flash stymied Mount St. Mary’s University, 18-9, in the program’s season-opener in the first game of the VMI Invitational hosted by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
Saint Francis created separation early with an offensive surge in the opening half, led by Lucy Willis, who finished the match with a seven-for-seven shooting performance. The Red Flash extended the lead with continued balanced scoring as Alondra Torres added three goals on another perfect shooting mark, while Bella Castaneda and Caylah Olay each scored twice.
Defensive pressure proved decisive, with Saint Francis drawing multiple exclusions, including four by Olay and three courtesy Megan Marlin, allowing the Red Flash to control possession and momentum for the remainder of the match.
Eight players scored for SFU as Willis, Torres, Lexanny Gonzalez, Sofia Maioriello and Sarah Hartwell notched perfect shooting marks.
Saint Francis totaled 17 assists, with contributions from Maioriello (five), Olay (four), Aubrey Miller (three), Bella Castaneda (two), Hartwell (two) and Victoria Tamarit (one).
In goal, Tamarit recorded five saves and Olay chipped in three to accompany solo stops by Torres, Maioriello and Hartwell for a total of 11.
Olay (four), Megan Marlin (three) and Maioriello (two) notched multiple exclusions drawn, while Torres, Marlin, Gonzalez and Hartwell each registered field blocks in the match.
Information courtesy Saint Francis University Athletics Communications
