WLAX: Lasers Defeat Rivier 14-9

Newton, MA- The Lasell University women's lacrosse team picked up another Great Northeast Athletic Conference victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Rivier University, 14-9, at Grellier Field. With the win, the Lasers improved to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in GNAC play.

Lasell got on the board early as Lily Hunt opened the scoring off a feed from Emily Watson just under three minutes into the contest. After Rivier answered to even the score, the Lasers responded with three straight goals, including back-to-back scores from Ruby Cahill and a player-up strike from Hunt, to build a 4-1 lead. The Raiders added a late free-position goal, but Lasell carried a 4-2 advantage into the second quarter.

Rivier cut the deficit to one early in the second, but the Lasers answered once again. Hunt started the run before Cahill added another, and after the Raiders briefly got back within two, Lasell closed the half with a 3-0 burst. Mara Boldy scored twice in a 22-second span, with Cahill assisting on one of the goals, before Cahill capped the half with her fourth of the day on a player-up opportunity to send Lasell into the break ahead 9-4.

The Lasers added to their lead early in the third quarter when Emma Dressel scored off another Watson assist. Rivier put together two straight player-up goals to trim the margin to four, but Cahill struck again midway through the quarter off a Dressel feed to make it 11-6 heading into the final frame.

Rivier continued to battle in the fourth and got as close as 11-8, but Lasell had an answer each time. Hunt finished off a feed from Alice Rourke, Dressel added an unassisted tally, and Cahill buried her sixth goal of the afternoon with 2:25 remaining to help seal the conference win.

Lasell held advantages in shots (31-21), ground balls (19-12), and draw controls (19-6). Zoe Avery led the way with five draw controls, while Rourke added four and Cahill collected three. Boldy was strong all over the field with five ground balls, while Dressel added two goals, two assists, and two caused turnovers. In goal, Joy Sayah made six saves to earn the win. 

Cahill led the way offensively with a game-high six goals and added an assist, while Hunt finished with four goals of her own. Dressel turned in a strong all-around performance with two goals and two assists, and Watson facilitated the attack with four assists.

Up Next: Lasell will be back in action this Monday in a non-conference matchup against Fitchburg State.