Women’s Lacrosse Routs Bridgeport and UDC

By Thomas Scavetta
Assistant Sports Editor

The third-ranked women’s lacrosse team (9-2) cruised to a 15-1 victory against the University of Bridgeport on Wednesday, April 6, in an East Coast Conference duel at Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium, in Brookville, N.Y.

Offensively, the Pioneers erupted behind the lights of junior attacker Connor Bird, who totaled a career-high seven points (5 G, 2 A). She also won a game-best four draws.

In the opening stanza, the Pioneers came out guns blazing, as they went on a 9-0 tear in the first 30 minutes of action. Bird led the Pioneers with four goals and one assist as she opened up the scoring and rounded it out with an unassisted tally with 11 seconds remaining in the half..

Freshman midfielder Ryan McKinney got the wheels rolling for the Pioneers early on in the second half, striking twice in the first nine minutes. In addition, freshman attacker Lindsay Montgomery tacked on her first collegiate goal at the 3:59 mark.

In the cage, sophomore goalie Olivia Kirk and senior net-minder Kasey Kephart combined to make three saves for the Pioneers, as their defense was stout throughout the entire game. Junior defender/midfielder Cara Douglas scooped up four ground balls, won three draws and added two caused turnovers in the victory. Junior midfielder Kelly Backus forced three turnovers and collected two ground balls.

On Saturday, April 9, the Green and Gold wrapped up their three-game home-stand with an impressive 19-0 shutout versus ECC rival, the University of the District of Colombia.

The Pioneers improved to 4-0 in conference play as they staged an offensive onslaught in the first half, scoring 10 unanswered goals in the first 15 minutes of action. After the Pioneers jumped out of the gate, the Firebirds settled down defensively. However, they couldn’t stall for long, as they surrendered another three goals to give the hosts a 12-0 cushion at the intermission.

Senior attacker Emily Delaney paved the way seven points (2 G, 5 A). Bird found the back of the net three times and won five face-offs in the opening stanza. Heading into the second half, the Pioneers kept their foot on the gas, tacking on another seven goals, sending UDC to 1-8 on the year as they still search for their first conference win.

Just about everyone got involved in the stat-sheet as Backus, senior defender/ midfielder Kaitlin Gaghan and sophomore defender Chelsea Karr all logged their first goals of the season.

Delaney finished with a game-high nine points (3 G, 6 A) and also added three ground balls and two draws too her impressive performance. Her fellow attacker, Bird, finished her day with four points (3 G, 1 A). Douglas chipped in on the scoring parade with a pair of goals and an assist for three points. McKinney and senior attacker Jessica Marsh also netted two goals apiece for the Pioneers.

The hosts dominated in nearly every statistical category, as they out-shot the Firebirds by a 6-to-1 margin (30-5) and secured a 22-7 edge in ground balls. In addition to converting on each of their free-position opportunities, the Pioneers won an alarming 20-of-21 draw controls.

Head Coach Meghan McNamara and her Pioneer squad prepare to head out for a fourgame road trip, starting Wednesday, April 13, in Brookhaven, N.Y. when they visit no. 13 Dowling College. Opening draw is slated for 4 p.m.