WLAX: Lasell Edges Salem State in Thrilling 12–11 Victory

Newton, MA – In a back-and-forth battle under the lights at Grellier Field, the Lasell University women's lacrosse team held off a second-half surge from Salem State to secure a dramatic 12–11 win on Thursday evening. 

Lasell came out firing, scoring five goals in the opening quarter, including two from Jade Sullivan and a highlight finish by Annarita Sanfilippo off a feed from Emily Watson. The Lasers took a 5–2 lead into the second, but Salem State clawed back with four second-quarter goals to cut the halftime deficit to just one at 7–6.

The Vikings carried that momentum into the third, briefly taking a 10–8 lead before Lasell responded. Sparked by a goal from Alice Rourke and a buzzer-beating strike by Emily Watson, the Lasers tied the game at 10–10 heading into the fourth.

In the final frame, Rourke notched her fourth goal of the game with 12:03 remaining, assisted again by Watson. After Salem evened things up at 11–11 with a tally from Megan Parthum, it was Kaitlin Bedell who delivered the game-winner with 4:24 left on the clock. The Lasers' defense held strong in the closing minutes, anchored by goalkeeper Joy Sayah, who finished with 18 saves on the night.

Watson led the offense with 3 goals and 2 assists, while Rourke's 4 goals paced all scorers. Lasell also got contributions from Ruby Cahill, Sullivan, Sanfilippo, and Bedell in a balanced attack.

Despite being outshot 43–35, Lasell capitalized on key opportunities and forced timely turnovers to seal the win.

Up Next: The Lasers are back in action this coming Sunday, with a road matchup against GNAC opponent Regis College.