Mount Ida Edges Fitchburg State, 8-6

Drolette sets single game saves mark with 26 stops in non-conference setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. (April 15, 2013) – The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team hosted the Mustangs of Mount Ida College this evening and suffered a non-conference setback, falling 8-6 at Elliot Field.

With the setback, Fitchburg State falls to 3-8 on the year, while Mount Ida ups its record to 5-9 on the season.

Despite the loss, junior net-minder Dylana Drolette (Burlington, Vt.) registered the Fitchburg State single game saves mark, posting 26 stops throughout the match. The third-year goalie surpassed the previous mark of 22 set by freshman Elizabeth Darrigo (Billerica, Mass.) earlier this season vs. Bridgewater State.

Mount ida controlled the offensive attack from the beginning, but 16 first half saves by Drolette sparked the Falcons, 4-3, halftime advantage. Senior Jessica Bartlett (Marlborough, Mass.) accounted for three of the four Falcon first half markers, while junior Markie Apple (Pittsfield, Mass.) also added a tally.

Trailing 4-1 at the end of the first half, Mount Ida then rallied, connecting for seven unanswered goals to boast an 8-4 lead with 8:09 remaining in the contest. Amanda Bowen and Molly Shepherd notched five goals in the Mustangs surge.

The Falcons rallied late, posting a pair of goals over the last two minutes of regulation but Mount Ida withstood the Fitchburg State comeback attempt to hold on to a two goal victory.

For the game, Mount Ida out-shot Fitchburg State 41-18, while also collecting a 33-22 advantage in groundballs. Draws were relatively even with the Mustangs holding a slim 9-7 margin, but 24 turnovers by the Falcons, proved to be the offensive difference maker.

Fitchburg State (3-8, 1-2 MASCAC) will be back in action tomorrow as it visits Mass-Maritime Academy at 7 p.m.