The Monmouth University women’s lacrosse team saw another successful week, extending their winning streak to four games with victories over Wagner and Sacred Heart.
Up first, the Hawks faced off against Wagner on Wednesday, March 1. Despite a slow start that left them trailing 3-1 after the first period, Monmouth snapped back to life in the second period with goals from junior attack Mya Brock and freshman attack Shea Berigan to cut the deficit to 4-3 going into halftime. This was the first time that the Hawks were not the first to make it on the scoreboard this season.
Going into the second half, the Hawks hit the ground running and never looked back. They dominated the third period with a 5-0 run to convert a one goal deficit into an 8-4 lead, made possible by goals from Brock and Danielle McNeely, who each posted two, and an additional one from Ella Spears. The Hawks prevented Wagner from getting a single goal this period, which proved to be pivotal for their comeback run. Wagner’s Nia Scott was issued a yellow card in the third period, but it was otherwise very quiet for the previously dominant Seahawks.
Monmouth’s run continued into the fourth period as Caroline Brennan added two goals of her own followed by another Brock goal before Wagner made it on the scoreboard again, making the score 11-5 with just nine minutes left to play. What had once been an all-Wagner matchup quickly flipped in the Hawks’ favor thanks to strong efforts on both ends of the field.
The Seahawks managed to put away two more goals before the match ended. Although it was a good effort, Monmouth matched these goals and once again outscored the home team, this time 5-3 in the final period of play, to secure a 13-7 victory.
The win over Wagner marked Monmouth’s third straight opponent that they’ve held to single-digits on the scoreboard, a feat that the Hawks haven’t accomplished since 2016. Despite the slow start that left them in an early deficit, Monmouth dominated nearly all categories on the scoresheet. The team notched a season-high 15 caused turnovers from 10 Hawks. Monmouth also dominated the draw control battle 16-8, outshot the Seahawks 38-20, and won 23 ground balls to Wagner’s 18.
Brock earned her fourth career hat trick and posted a career-high four goals along with a season-high five draw controls. Brennan was also a force to be reckoned with and has been a key player for Monmouth all season, recording a goal in 22 straight games and posting at least one point in 24 straight contests.
Monmouth faced off against Sacred Heart just a few days later on Saturday, March 4. Although the Hawks came out on top, it was yet another slow start for Monmouth as the Pioneers jumped ahead with four goals to their two at the end of the first period. The second period was more even as both teams posted two goals, but it was enough for Sacred Heart to hold a 6-4 lead going into halftime.
Much like the matchup against Wagner, the Hawks came out of the locker room with a new burst of energy to start the second half. Monmouth scored three goals to start the third period, converting what had once been a two goal deficit into a one goal lead, 7-6. The Pioneers were quick to respond and make it a tie game, but Monmouth ended the quarter in the lead 9-7 after McNeely and Berigan were able to find the back of the net and keep the Hawks’ offensive effort alive. Defensively, Monmouth held Sacred Heart to two shots during this period, only one of which they were able to convert into a goal.
The Hawks kept the fire burning in the final period thanks to goals from Brennan and Spears, who each posted two. Although the Pioneers tried to fight back, it was too little too late as Monmouth walked away with a hard fought 13-9 victory.
With the win, Monmouth managed to hold yet another opponent to single-digits, marking the fourth straight contest in which they’ve limited the opposition to under 10 goals. The Hawks haven’t done this since 2013.
Despite never trailing in their first games of the season, Monmouth yet again found themselves off to a slow start as their opponents made it on the scoreboard before them and led going into halftime. However, the win over Sacred Heart marks the second straight game that the Hawks have bounced back and fought for the win despite trailing throughout the first two periods. In this matchup, they outscored the Pioneers 9-3 in the second half to earn the victory.
Brennan, who found the back of the net twice in the matchup, extended her scoring streak to 23 straight games and her point streak to 25 games. Orban, the Hawks’ other offensive powerhouse, scored her 100th career goal during this game.
After hosting John Hopkins on Tuesday, March 7, the Hawks will travel down to Washington, DC to face off against Georgetown on Saturday, March 11.
