WEST HAVEN, Conn. — The New Haven women's lacrosse team (2-4, 1-0) captured a 14-11 victory over Mercyhurst University (0-6, 0-1) on Saturday at home. The Chargers' performance was highlighted by strong first and fourth quarters, each featuring four goals, and a formidable defense that forced 12 turnovers. Despite Mercyhurst's third-quarter push with four goals, New Haven maintained their lead throughout.

Mercyhurst opened the scoring with Whitley Easton netting a goal, assisted by Emma Cimino. New Haven quickly responded as Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton) equalized, followed by a goal from Summer Castiglione (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) at 7:36, prompting a timeout from the Lakers. The Blue & Gold continued their momentum with Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) scoring, assisted by Seleny. Although Easton scored again for Mercyhurst, New Haven's Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) added another goal, assisted by Seleny, closing the first quarter at 4-2 in favor of New Haven.

The second quarter saw New Haven continue their aggressive play, as Devaney scored just 15 seconds in, again with help from Seleny. Mercyhurst's Easton responded, but New Haven pulled ahead with a free-position goal from Minnion at 12:07. Devaney and Taryn Murphy (Bohemia, N.Y./Connetquot) both added to the Chargers' tally, with assists from Seleny, while Mercyhurst scored a late goal by Nicole Hetzer. The quarter ended with New Haven leading 8-4.

In the third quarter, Minnion scored at 10:43, followed by a goal from Seleny, widening the lead to 10-4. Even as Mercyhurst called a timeout and responded with a goal from Camryn Trybuskiewicz, New Haven's defense, led by Karlie Maye (New City, N.Y./Clarkstown South), held firm. Mercyhurst closed the quarter with a three-goal run, but New Haven finished ahead 10-8.

New Haven's fourth quarter started strongly with Devaney converting a free-position shot at 13:16. Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich), assisted by Castiglione, further extended the lead. Despite Mercyhurst's late goals from Easton and Cimino, Castiglione and Devaney secured the win with additional goals, sealing the Chargers' 14-11 victory.

New Haven Top Performers

Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton)
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- 2 goals
- 6 assists
- 5 shots on goal

Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial)
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- 5 goals
- 6 shots on goal
- 1 player-up goal

Summer Castiglione (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial)
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist
- 4 shots on goal

Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River)
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- 3 goals
- 4 shots on goal
- 1 free-position goal

Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich)
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- 1 game-winning goal
- 5 shots

Up Next: The Chargers will travel to Staten Island, N.Y., to face Wagner College on Saturday, March 21. The game is set to start at 2:30 p.m.