WLX: McComb’s record-breaking game leads Lasell past Norwich in season opener

NEWTON, Mass. – Graduate student Jordan McComb (Cumberland, R.I.) recorded a school-record 17 points Saturday afternoon to lead Lasell University past Norwich University, 23-6, in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) women's lacrosse opener for both schools at Grellier Field. It was also the season opener for both teams, and the outcome marked the first career collegiate coaching victory for Lasell head coach Al Eaton.

McComb finished with 10 goals and seven assists on the day, both one shy of the school records. Her 17 points eclipsed the mark of 13 points in a game, which Lasell Hall of Famer Mandi Rapisardi accomplished twice in 2006. McComb also finished with a team-high 10 draw controls and five ground balls. 

Junior Sydney Brady (Westfield, Mass.) added four goals to the Laser attack, and junior Sophie Fistori (Dartmouth, Mass.) and sophomore Emily Chapdelaine (East Longmeadow, Mass.) chipped in with three goals apiece. 

Senior Kathryn Preul (Scottsdale, Ariz.) led the Cadets with three goals and four draw controls, and sophomore Valentina Drown (Acton, Maine) contributed a goal and two assists. Junior Brittney Poljacik (Woodstock, Vt.) picked up a team-high six ground balls.

After Norwich scored in the first minute of the game, Lasell rattled off five goals in a row, including two by McComb, to take the lead for good. Pruel countered twice for the visitors to make it 5-3 at the midway point of the half, but Lasell outscored the Cadets 8-2 over the next 15 minutes to pull ahead 13-5 at the intermission. The Lasers scored the first six goals of the second half to put the game out of reach. 

Lasell finished with a 38-15 advantage in shots, and controlled the draws by an 18-12 margin.

Lasell will be home again on Wednesday, March 24, hosting Emmanuel College in a GNAC contest at 4:00 p.m.  Norwich is slated to host Rivier University in its home opener for a GNAC match-up next Saturday, March 27, at 4:00 p.m.

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