Kent State’s women’s lacrosse team opened up the season with a loss after Cincinnati scored seven goals in the first quarter.

Kent State lost 14-7 in its fifth ever season.

This was the first game without the group of seniors who started the women’s lacrosse program and graduated last spring.

“It feels like we are starting a new chapter here without that first class,” said coach Brianna Tierney. “A lot of young players playing today … that’s exciting for us to push forward.”

Cincinnati raced out to a 7-0 lead after the first quarter. Flashes were unable to erase the deficit.

Kent State had only two shots compared to Cincinnati’s 11. Cincinnati was also able to capitalize off turnovers as Kent State had nine turnovers in the first.

“We came out super flat, really nervous,” said Tierney. “A lot of mistakes that were young and freshman mistakes that we can’t make moving forward.”

The Bearcats continued their hot start with four more goals in the second.

Senior attacker Kenzie Sklar scored the Flashes first goal of the year, but the Bearcats had a 11-1 lead at the half.

Cincinnati’s offense continued, scoring three-straight goals to increase its lead 14-1.

KSU did not give up as Sklar scored again at the buzzer, trailing 14-2.

Tierney said Sklar “will be big time for this year, somebody we are looking for to score a ton of goals.”

Kent State made a late push, scoring five goals in the fourth quarter and shutting out Cincinnati. Junior attack Jackie Wolford and freshman midfielder Zayda Crumpton were both able to score twice while Sklar completed her hat trick to end the game in a score of 14-7.

Cincinnati beat Kent State in shots on goal 25-14. KSU lost the turnover battle 24-17.

“The girls were able to find some openings,” said Tierney. “We have to learn how to do that earlier in the game versus in the fourth quarter.”

“Come back tomorrow and we learn from what we did today,” said Tierney.

Kent State will play Thursday 4 p.m. at Pittsburgh.

Matthew Franos is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].