ELKINS, W.Va. — The Davis & Elkins women's lacrosse team dropped a 15-3 decision to Ave Maria at Gyrene Field in Ave Maria, Florida.

Ave Maria used a strong offensive performance and a fast start to pull away from Davis & Elkins. The Gyrenes scored three goals in the opening quarter and added four more in the second to take a 7-2 lead into halftime.

Darby Thomson opened the scoring for the Senators with a first-quarter goal on a player advantage to even the match at 1-1. Ave Maria responded with two late goals in the period to regain control.

The Gyrenes continued to extend the lead in the second quarter, outscoring Davis & Elkins 4-1 in the frame. Ke'ya Stevens found the back of the net midway through the quarter to account for the Senators' second goal before halftime.

Talia Berardo scored early in the third quarter to bring Davis & Elkins within four at 7-3, but Ave Maria answered with five goals in the period to take a 12-3 advantage into the final quarter. The Gyrenes added three more goals in the fourth to secure the victory.

Stevens, Berardo and Thomson each recorded a goal for Davis & Elkins. Thomson also added three caused turnovers, while Berardo led the Senators with three shots, including two on goal.

Megan Bauer made nine saves in 40 minutes in goal for Davis & Elkins, while Daelyn Hardnack added one save in relief. As a team, the Senators finished with 12 shots, 25 ground balls and eight draw controls.

Ave Maria was led by Annie Dhabliwala with four goals and two assists, while Alexandra Mazurczak, Anna Bocchino, Lily Hynds, Allison Fifield and Maura Barnes each added multiple goals.

Davis & Elkins will return to action Saturday, March 14, hosting Edinboro at 1 p.m. at Nuttall Field in Elkins.