KENNESAW, Ga. – The Manhattan women's lacrosse team returned to its winning ways Thursday afternoon, taking down Kennesaw State, 10-8, to close out their southern swing this season.
"Today was a strong team win. The defense made big stops as a unit, with
Ashley Gambardella supporting us in the cage. Offensively, we started strong and were able to capitalize on our offensive possessions. The team as a whole came together to win our final non-conference game. We feel prepared for MAAC play", said head coach
Jenna Dingler.
Manhattan (4-5) starts scoring early and often against Kennesaw State (1-6) to put them up by as much as five before the half. This lead carried the Jaspers to victory, despite an Owl comeback in the third.
Julianna Iovine opened up the scoring for the game, throwing one into the back of the net within the first 45 seconds of play. The first quarter was the closest of the four, with the Owls tying the score twice. However, the Jaspers were able to leave the first quarter up by one, 3-2. In the second quarter, the Jaspers outscored the Owls 5-2. The Jaspers reached their largest lead of the game when
Olivia Cruthers converted on a free-position shot to give the Jaspers a five-goal lead, 8-3.
The Jasper offense began to slow in the second half, with the Owls launching an attack in the third that brought them back to within one, 8-7. With five minutes left in the quarter,
Andrea Liotta won the draw control and carried it all the way to the net to give the Jaspers an insurance goal before entering the fourth.
Both teams played lockdown defense in the fourth, only allowing one goal each, closing out the game with a Jaspers win at 10-8.
Leading the offense for the Jaspers was a trio of two-goal performers, with Iovine,
Reagan Mullins, and
Jillian Reiner all finding the back of the net twice. Gambardella played all 60 minutes, finishing with a save percentage of 61.9%.
The Jaspers play again Saturday, Mar. 25, where they will participate in their first MAAC game of the season against Canisius in Buffalo, N.Y. at 12 p.m.
For the latest on the Manhattan College women's lacrosse program, follow the Jaspers on Instagram @manhattanwlacrosse_ and Twitter @ManhattanWLax.
