Fitchburg State Downs Transylvania, 22-17

Laferriere leads Falcons to opening victory with a team-best six goals

FITCHBURG, Mass. (March 8, 2014) – The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team opened the 2014 season this afternoon with a victory, downing Transylvania College, 22-17 in non-conference action down in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Freshman Ali Laferriere (Tyngsboro ,Mass.) led the way for the Falcons, totaling a team-best six goals in the match, while classmate Andrea Comeau (Watertown, Mass.) was also solid with four scores and a pair of groundballs. Senior Markie Apple (Pittsfield, Mass.) rounded out Fitchburg State's top three scorers with a three markers and a trio of groundball pickups.

Transylvania also received some solid offensive production with sophomore Rachel Harrison (Nashville, Tenn.) leading the way at six goals and four groundballs. Classmate Sky Spraker (Chattanooga, Tenn.) was also strong, totaling four points with three goals and one assist, while sophomore Lucy Meredith (Louisville, Ky.) also added a trio of scores.

Fitchburg State jumped out to an early lead after one period of play as the Falcons notched a five goal advantage (12-7) with a balance first half attack. Seven Falcons connected for scores in the frame with Laferriere and Erin Murphy (Warwick, R.I.) leading the way with two goals apiece.

In the second half, play remained even with both teams netting ten goals apiece. Fitchburg State out-shot Transylvania 43-28 throughout the contest, while groundballs remained even at 18 pickups apiece.

In net, sophomore Elizabeth Darrigo (Billerica, Mass.) turned in a complete game effort for Fitchburg State, totaling eight saves for her first victory of the season. Sophomore Lydia Shaughnessy (Louisville, Ky) stopped 12 shots in net for the Pioneers.

Fitchburg State (1-0, 0-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Monday as it battles Methodist College at 4 p.m.