Women’s Lacrosse Finishes Week Strong

The third-ranked women’s lacrosse team (10-3) found themselves on the short end of an 8-5 decision against twelfth-ranked Dowling College on Wednesday, April 13, in East Coast Conference play at Golden Lions Field.

Knotted up at two at the intermission, the Pioneers gained a 4-3 edge to kick-off the latter stanza on a free- position marker by freshman midfielder Trish Brisotti.

However, the hosts responded with a 4-0 run to solidify the lead for good. Junior attacker Alyssa Milano scored the tying and go-ahead goals for the Golden Lions (11-1). Defensively, Dowling remained stout in the closing moments of the contest, allowing just one shot on goal in the final six minutes, which was netted by Pioneer junior attacker Connor Bird, trimming the lead to 7-5.

For the Pioneers, senior defender/midfielder Honey Roche won a game-high four face-offs and caused two turnovers while junior defender/midfielder Cara Douglas led all players with six caused turnovers. Bird scored two goals for the Green and Gold as Brisotti, senior attacker Jessica Marsh and freshman midfielder Ryan McKinney all punched in a goal for the visitors.

Sophomore goalie Olivia Kirk finished her day with eight saves for the Pioneers. Overall, they held an 8-7 advantage in draws and executed on 3-of-6 free-position shots.

Head Coach Meghan McNamara and the Pioneers continued their four-game road trip Saturday, April 16, when they took down the Spartans of St. Thomas Aquinas College by a score of 9-5, up in Sparkhill, N.Y.

The ECC clash was headlined by senior attacker Emily Delaney, who logged three goals and three helpers for a game-high six-point output. Junior attacker Stefani Vagelatos collected four points (3G, 1A) for the Pioneers as well.

After being deadlocked at five midway through the second half, the Pioneers shutout the Spartans and scored the game’s final four goals for the win. Vagelatos secured the lead with an unassisted marker at the 13:13 mark. The duo of Douglas and Delaney followed Vagelatos’ goal, scoring just 15 seconds apart. Delaney eventually rounded out the scoring when she ripped one passed St. Thomas goalie Kaitlyn Lonergan at the 8:16 mark.

Between the pipes, Kirk denied a game-best eight shots; seven of them coming in the final 30 minutes of action.

McNamara and the Pioneers are back at it on Thursday, April 21, when they prepare for a date with Saint Anselm College up in Manchester, N.H. in a non-conference match-up. Opening draw is scheduled for 3 p.m.