FERRUM, Va. - The NC Wesleyan College women's lacrosse team let a big third quarter from non-conference foe Ferrum College lead to a loss for the Bishops as they fell 17-5 to the Panthers on the road Wednesday evening.

A competitive first quarter saw the Battling Bishops trade two goals each with the Panthers at one point taking the 2-1 lead as well. Wesleyan saw goals from sophomore midfielder Blaire Harley and senior midfielder Maddie O'Neill in the first stanza. O'Neill's goal was assisted by junior attacker Nakayla Chatman.

However, Ferrum then went on a 3-0 run to take a 5-2 lead in the second quarter before Wesleyan scored two straight goals from senior midfielder Madeline Graham in just 11 seconds to trail by just one at 5-4 with 6 minutes to play in the half. Ferrum, however, finished the quarter with 3 consecutive goals again to lead 8-4 at the break.

Unfortunately, Ferrum would score 7 goals in the third while shutting out the Bishops and outshooting them 8-1 to take a 15-4 lead heading into the fourth. In the fourth, Wesleyan would add a goal from Chatman unassisted but that would be all they could muster up with just 3 shots on goal.

Sophomore goalie Devin Bautz finished the game making 8 saves on 25 shots on goal while also corralling two ground balls. Leading the way in ground ball pick ups was senior defender Sam Valeros with three while her, Chatman, and senior defender Aydriyan Upchurch also each caused two Ferrum turnovers apiece.

Wesleyan falls to 0-3 with the loss while Ferrum improves to 1-2. The Bishops next return to action for their home opener to host Marietta College (OH) next Tuesday at Noon from Scalf Field.