BALTIMORE — Elisa Faklaris scored four goals and Loyola University Maryland used a dominant first half to roll past Towson University 15-7 on Wednesday evening at Ridley Athletic Complex.

The Greyhounds (5-4, 1-1) set the tone early, scoring the game's first four goals, while shutting out Towson in the first quarter.  Emma Talago opened the scoring midway through the first quarter, sparking a 4-0 run that gave Loyola control throughout. 

Loyola's offense remained balanced and efficient throughout, with eight different players recording points. Morgan Quade led the way with a career-best six points, while Faklaris led the team with four goals. Talago added a hat trick, and Lauren Perfetto contributed two goals and two assists in the win.

After Towson briefly cut into the deficit early in the second quarter, Loyola responded by outscoring the Tigers (3-6 overall, 1-0 CAA) 4-2 over the remainder of the half. During that stretch, Quade scored from a free-position, which was followed up with a player-up goal from Delaney Jackson, to build an 8-3 halftime advantage.

Loyola continued to control play after the break, using strong possession and defense to pull away. The Greyhounds outshot Towson 30-23 and held the edge in ground balls (22-12) and draw controls (15-9).

A key third-quarter stretch put the game out of reach. Loyola scored three straight goals late in the period, capped by Quade's free-position goal with 15 seconds remaining, extending the lead to 12-5.

Makenzie Butler anchored the defense with a career-best eight saves for Loyola. Mae Murphy led Loyola from the draw circle with 10 draws on the night. 

Towson was led by Hannah Lewis with two goals and Elise Smigiel with two points on the night.

Loyola will return to Ridley on Saturday, as they host Boston at noon.