The women’s lacrosse team added two wins to their record this past weekend after they defeated Wagner University and Long Island University. The Hawks traveled to Staten Island on Friday and came up with a big win, defeating the Seahawks 20-13.
MU dominated the first half, outscoring Wagner 11-5, but almost blew their lead in the second half managed to hold on. The Hawks drew first blood scoring the first three goals in the first half within the first five minutes. MU and Wagner exchanged goals throughout the first half, but the Hawks finished off the half with three consecutive goals.
In the second half, Wagner opened up with two consecutive goals but the Hawk’s responded with six additional goals throughout the next ten minute span. Wagner then added five goals in a row, decreasing the Hawks lead to five with four minutes left in the game. The run by Wagner wasn’t enough as MU added two more goals to officially seal it.
Attack Sam Lillo’s eights goal were good enough for her to be named the Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week. The eight goals tied a game record for the Hawks. Alex Marino scored two goals and added four assists and Kayleigh Gibbons had two goals and assists. Erica Abendschoen and Cassie Campasano each added two goals to the 20 goal effort. Goalie Katie Donohue racked up eight saves.
“Personally, my shot selection has gotten better. I have had better opportunities, and the attacking unit has been working a lot better together creating goals and assists,” Lillo said.
On Sunday, the Lady Hawks traveled to Brooklyn to take on LIU. MU came out victorious again with a a dominating 18-6 win. Monmouth dominated LIU in goals 14-2 in the first half, but both teams had four goals each in the second half. Despite that, the Hawks were able to hold on for the commanding win. The win boosted Monmouth to a 6-10 record, 5-3 in the NEC. LIU moved to 1-13, 1-6 in the conference.
LIU scored the first goal of the game, but the Hawks responded with 14 goals to take it into halftime. The second half went back and forth, but LIU still didn’t come close to matching up to the Hawks 18 goals at the final whistle.
For the Hawks, Sam Savona led the way with four goals while Alex Marino, Olivia Salata, and Danielle Rackowitz each added two goals apiece.
“Our defensive success has stemmed from the offense, and they have given us breaks causing momentum changes. They have also given us more opportunities for saves,” explained defensive player Gianna D’Urso.
“We’re starting to learn what we’re capable of. I have changed the lineup somewhat, and it has paid off. We have had a hard out of schedule conference, but now we are trusting each other and believing in ourselves more,” Head Coach Denise Wescott explained.
In the stat book, MU dominated in overall shots attempted, 38-13. They also had 32 ground balls compared to LIU’s 20.
The Hawks will host Mt. Saint Mary’s University on Friday at 3:00 pm for the regular season finale. The NEC Tournament will start the following weekend, and will feature the top four teams with the best conference records. Coach Wescott and the players are still in contention for the tournament. Despite this, the number one goal is to win against Mt. Saint Mary’s, and then playoff talk can begin.
PHOTO COURTESY of MU Photography
