WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Presbyterian College lacrosse team traveled to the nation's capital and grabbed a 16-9 win from the Howard Bison on Sunday in a match marred by cold, snowy conditions.

PC improves to 4-5 and the Blue Hose next begin Big South Conference play on Thursday at High Point in a 6 p.m. matchup. Howard falls to 0-8 on the year.

The Blue Hose led 8-4 at halftime and potted eight more goals in the final frame.

Megan Schaaf (Ellicott City, Md.) scored three goals and dished out three assists for six points on the day.  Brianne Ward added a hat trick and two assists while Cassie Watters (Chapel Hill, N.C.) and Erin Murphy (Huntersville, N.C.) chipped in two goals apiece.

Bridget Hogan (Charlotte, N.C.) started in goal and earned the win. Hogan and goalie Tay Lyles (Stevensville, Md.) each made a save in the effort.

Jess Goergen (Fayetteville, Ga.) led off the scoring with a tally 1:57 after the opening draw. Schaaf followed with her first of the day before Ward struck to make it a 3-1 PC lead.

Howard pulled even at 4-4 on two goals from Cynithia Smalls, but the Blue Hose answered by rattling off four consecutive scores to end the half. Amanda Lindsey (Peachtree City, Ga.), Murphy, Ward and Maddie Seiloff (Marietta, Ga.) each found the back of the net to give the Blue Hose an 8-4 advantage at the break.

After another Smalls goal to open the second half, PC responded with two of their own.  Ward struck again en route to a 10-5 Blue Hose lead. Howard cut the gap to three on goals from Jaymie Cox before Maggie Richardson (Maplewood, N.J.) kickstarted a three-goal run.

With a six-goal edge, PC outscored Howard 3-2 in the final 11:51 for the victory.