Falcons Soar Past Pride in Lacrosse, 11-7

Long and Laferriere combined for eight markers

Fitchburg, Mass. – It was the Carrie Long and Ali Laferriere show at Elliot Field on Thursday night as the Fitchburg State University women's lacrosse team downed the Pride of Regis College 11-7 in non-conference action. The dynamic duo combine for eight goals, ten ground balls, ten draw controls and eight caused turnovers for the Falcons in the victory.

For the Falcons Nicole Lee, Andrea Comeau and Tracy Long also tipped the twine on the night. While junior Lia Crutchfield played stellar defense with 4 groundballs and four caused turnovers, and freshman Nicole Kopacz contributed in the backfield with seven ground balls and two caused turnovers.

Freshman Kerri Anselmo led the Pride with five goals, three ground balls and one caused turnover.

The teams battled through seven minutes of scoreless ball until the Falcons solved the Pride's defense. C. Long converted a pair of 8-meter shots to initiate the host's offense. Laferriere deposited her 38^th and 39^th tallies of the season to push the Falcons to a 4-0 advantage mid-way through the opening frame.

Regis countered with scores from freshman Kerri Anselmo and Nicole Roche to cut the deficit in half (4-2). However C. Long potted a pair of scores sandwiched around Lee's third marker on the season to give the Falcons a 7-2 lead at the intermission.

After the break the Pride mounted a valiant comeback. With the Falcons ahead 8-2, the Pride receive three straight goals off the stick of Anselmo to get within three (8-5). The Green and Gold countered with a trio of their own with scores from Laferriere, Comeau and T. Long to up the advantage (11-5). Regis add a pair of scores late for the 11-7 final.

Sophomore Marguerite Belcher made 10 saves to pick up her eighth victory of the season. Junior Maresa Malcom made 12 saves in a losing effort. Fitchburg State held a 26-14 shot advantage as well as a 34-29 edge in ground balls. The Falcons won 13-of-20 draw controls.

The Falcons return to action on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Bridgewater State for a crucial MASCAC match-up starting at 11:30 AM. Regis travels to Southern Vermont on the same day for a 1:00 PM start.