Susquehanna University defeated the University of New England 14-8 in a neutral-site women’s lacrosse matchup in Clearwater, Fla. on Tuesday morning.
The teams traded goals in the first quarter. Sydney Balotin opened the game with a goal for UNE at the 12:04 mark of the period. Heather Riefenhauser answered for the River Hawks to tie the game just under two minutes later. Barrie Guertin found Abby McHallam to put the Nor’easters back in front with 5:23 to play. UNE would not lead again as Abby Andrus made it 2-2 in the final minute of the first.
Susquehanna (5-3) began to pull away in the second quarter as goals by Liv Owen and Caitlin Harvey made the score 4-2 early in the frame. Balotin cut the deficit to one for UNE with 11:02 to go until the half, but it would be the closest the Nor’easters would get the rest of the way. The River Hawks led 7-4 at the break.
Andrus scored twice for Susquehanna in the third quarter as the advantaged ballooned to as many as six and was 11-6 heading into the fourth. McHallam and Emily Jacobs provided the scoring for UNE in the third.
The River Hawks scored the first three goals of the fourth to take their largest lead of the day at 14-6. Balotin added her third goal of the day with 6:16 left. Micaela Jacobs connected with her sister for the final UNE tally.
Susquehanna outshot the Nor’easters 38-22 on day. Draw controls also favored the River Hawks 21-5.
Andrus led all scorers with four goals and an assist. Kelsey Homberg had a goal, three assists, four ground balls, and four caused turnovers for Susquehanna.
McHallam and Emily Jacobs each scored twice for the Nor’easters. Kimmy Staniar added a goal and assist. Keegan Dunbar picked up a team high five ground balls and two caused turnovers.
Maria Turriza had six saves in goal for UNE. Emmy Regan also had six saves in the win for the River Hawks.
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