EASTON, Mass. — The New Haven Lacrosse (3-9, 2-5) faced a challenging matchup on Saturday, falling to Stonehill College (9-6, 6-1) with a final score of 21-7 at W.B. Mason Stadium. The Chargers put up a strong effort with two player-up goals, but Stonehill's defense held firm, limiting New Haven to just seven goals. Stonehill's offense proved dominant, scoring seven goals in the first quarter and continuing to pressure with six more in the final quarter, securing a decisive victory.
The first quarter began with both the Chargers and Stonehill establishing their presence. New Haven responded to an early goal by Stonehill's Grace Murphy with a goal from
Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton) at 11:48 to tie the score. Seleny, who has recorded two or more assists in four straight games, continued her playmaking strength. The Chargers then took the lead with a player-up goal by
Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River), assisted by
Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich), at 10:15. Dunwoody, contributing a season-high of two assists, showed her playmaking prowess. Stonehill regained momentum with a series of goals, highlighted by Natalie Coutu's performance, leading to a 7-3 advantage. New Haven's
Lucy Shafer (Haymarket, Va./Battfleield), assisted by Dunwoody, found the net at 4:44, but Stonehill maintained control. The quarter ended with Stonehill ahead, 7-3.
The Chargers found a pivotal moment midway through the second quarter when
Taryn Murphy (Bohemia, N.Y./Connetquot) scored a goal with an assist from
Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton) at the 8:00 mark. Despite Stonehill's subsequent scoring surge, which included two goals by Meaghan Fealy and one each from Sophia Gouveia and Grace Murphy, New Haven managed to close the quarter on a high note.
Taryn Murphy (Bohemia, N.Y./Connetquot) netted a late free-position goal with just one second remaining, bringing their total to two goals in the quarter. The period ended with Stonehill leading 11-5.
New Haven's
Maren Lowell (Nashua, N.H./Nashua South) secured the draw control early in the third quarter, setting the stage for a tightly fought contest. Despite multiple offensive attempts, including a close shot by
Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial), the Chargers' scoring was initially stifled by Stonehill's defense. However, the momentum shifted when Devaney capitalized with a player-up goal at 6:05, assisted by Seleny. This was followed by another goal from Seleny at 4:47. Stonehill responded with goals of their own, ultimately concluding the quarter with a 15-7 lead. The game ended with Stonehill securing the victory, leaving the final score at 21-7.
The Blue & Gold's effort in the fourth quarter began with multiple offensive attempts, including a shot by Dunwoody, which was saved by Nina Tremonte. Despite the early push, New Haven struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Seleny, contributing in transition, and
Kendall Morrill (Plaistow, N.H./Timberlane Regional) picked up ground balls, with
Karlie Maye (New City, N.Y./Clarkstown South) recording a season-high five ground balls, but Stonehill's defense held firm. Stonehill capitalized on their opportunities, scoring six unanswered goals throughout the quarter, including a standout performance by Gouveia with two goals. New Haven's attempts to regain momentum, including a timeout at 6:33, did not alter the course of the game. The period ended with Stonehill securing a decisive victory, leaving the Chargers with a final score of 21-7.
New Haven Top Performers
Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton)
----------------------
- 2 goals
- 2 assists
- 3 shots on goal
Taryn Murphy (Bohemia, N.Y./Connetquot)
----------------------
- 2 goals
- 3 shots on goal
- 1 unassisted goal
Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial)
----------------------
- 1 goal
- 1 player-up goal
- 2 shots on goal
Ainsley Bourbeau (Willington, Conn./E.O. Smith)
----------------------
- 7 saves
- 42 shots faced
Up next for the Blue & Gold is a home matchup against Central Connecticut State University. The game is set for Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at Kathy Zolad Stadium in West Haven, Conn.
