POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Bard College women's lacrosse team dominated its season opener Tuesday afternoon, riding a 20-goal explosion to top the Panthers of Old Westbury, 20-12.

The 20 goals tied the program record for goals in a game, which was set back in 2014 at Sage. 

The season kicked off with a strike from Casey Witte less than a minute into the game.

Old Westbury responded quickly however, rallying off a trifecta of goals to gain the lead at 3-1, before the Raptors answered with a three-goal flurry of their own. 

Melissa Rosenthal, Nicole Ellin and Dylan McDonald were responsible for the Bard strikes, as the hosts jumped back in front.

After a Panthers goal knotted things up at 4-4, Witte and McDonald again found the back of the net to put Bard in front with a little over 15 minutes to play in the half.

After that point though, the Raptors' offense stalled, only scoring once more before halftime, allowing the Panthers back in the game.

The score was tied 7-7 at halftime ... but it wouldn't matter.

Whatever head coach Mary Kate Scardillo said during the break must have resonated wholeheartedly, as the Raptors released the floodgates to open the second frame.

The hosts outscored Old Westbury, 8-1, over the first 10 minutes of the half, and extended their lead to as many as nine goals late in the second half.

It was a great performance all-around, as Bard got contributions from everyone. McDonald led the way with six goals, three assists and two ground balls on the afternoon. 

Rosenthal was outstanding as she added three goals, three assists, nine ground balls, caused six turnovers and won four draw controls.

Witte tallied six goals in the win, which tied her entire 2017 season goals mark. Ellin recorded three goals, five ground balls, two caused turnovers and nine draw controls.

Kaylynn Tran finished with 11 saves for the Raptors, while Natasha Treuman (Merrick, NY) led Old Westbury with seven goals.

Up next for Bard is a a trip to Manhattanville College on March 10th at noon and you can follow the game right here.