RALEIGH, N.C. - The Meredith College lacrosse team suffered an 18-5 loss to the visiting Ferrum Panthers in Saturday's USA South event. The match marked the Avenging Angels' first-ever home contest during the college's inaugural season of varsity women's lacrosse.

Meredith fell to 1-2 in the conference, and Ferrum improved to 3-1 overall and claimed their first conference match with the win.

The Panthers, picked to finish third in January's preseason coaches' poll, took quick control of today's game jumping ahead to a 7-0 advantage during the first 20 minutes of play. Ferrum's Sydney Hewartson scored three consecutive goals during the stretch.

This week's USA South Rookie of the Week, Katie Burnet launched back-to-back goals for Meredith to put the Avenging Angels on the scoreboard with 4:44 remaining in the period.

The visitors picked up another pair before the intermission to carry a 9-2 lead into the break.

In the opening minutes of the second stanza, captain Lottie Meadows fed Burnet for the team's third goal. Burnet and teammate Danielle Lee would add two more before the Panthers sealed the conference win.

Meadows posted two assists and Taylor Pearce recorded one in the loss. Goalie Andie Stuber earned nine saves on the day.

Ferrum's keeper Amanda Cheney posted five saves in the win.

The Avenging Angels return to their home field Sunday playing host to Agnes Scott College in a USA South pairing. First draw is slated for Noon.