Falcons Hold Off Colonials, 15-11

Long and Napolitano combine for 12 goal in non-conference victory

Englewood, Fla. – The Fitchburg State University women's lacrosse team used an 11 goal first half outburst, en-route to a 15-11 victory over the Colonials of Western Connecticut State University in day one action of the Falcons annual spring trip to Florida at Dever Park on Sunday evening.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 15, Western Connecticut State 11

Records: Fitchburg State (2-0) | Western Connecticut State (1-1)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State raced out to an early 6-0 lead as senior Carrie Long (Foxboro, Mass.) connected on four of the Falcons first six goals, while sophomore Sarah Napolitano (Peabody, Mass.) and junior Sarah Mallahan (Dracut, Mass.) added one score each.

Western Connecticut cut the deficit to 9-4 late in the first half on markers from freshman Kelly Lourenco (New Milford, Conn.) and junior Lauren Bradshaw (Bethel, Conn.), but the Falcons tacked on two more scores before the break as Napolitano and sophomore Tracy Long (Georgetown, Mass.) found the back of the net for the 11-5 margin after 30 minutes of play.

Following the break, the Green and Gold extended its advantage (13-6) on tallies from sophomore Nicole Kopacz (Tewksbury, Mass.) and C. Long before the Colonials answered with four straight goals as freshman Caroline Galligan (Marshfield, Mass.) sparked the run with a pair of goals.

Fitchburg State secured the win however was Napolitano struck on back-to-back scores in the span of seven minutes, resulting in the 15-11 final.

Inside the Numbers,

First ever meeting between the two schools on the lacrosse field.

Carrie Long paced the Falcons offense with a game-best seven points on seven goals scored to go along with seven draw controls, one ground ball and three caused turnovers, while Napolitano added six points on five goals and one helper.

In goal, junior Marguerite Belcher (Quincy, Mass.) finished with five saves in the complete game effort for Fitchburg State.

Up Next

Falcons will take on the Scots of Gordon College on Tuesday in day two action of their annual spring trip to Florida, starting at 10:00 AM. Colonials will battle the Owls of Westfield State on Monday in their second contest in Florida for a 10:00 AM start.