WEST HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven women's lacrosse (4-9, 3-5) secured a decisive 17-11 victory over Central Connecticut State University (1-13, 1-7) on Saturday. The Chargers built a substantial lead with an 8-goal performance in the second quarter. The team capitalized on Central Connecticut State's 11 turnovers, helping to maintain its advantage throughout the game. Central Connecticut State managed to score in every quarter but was unable to overcome New Haven's offensive surge.

The opening quarter saw New Haven establish an early advantage with a player-down goal by Sophia Devaney (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) at 8:14, assisted by Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton). This momentum continued as Helena Dunwoody (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich) scored another player-down goal, again assisted by Seleny, at 1:34. Dunwoody's goal marked the beginning of her season-high 7-goal performance. Despite a late goal by Amaya Monacelli for Central Connecticut State with just seven seconds remaining, the quarter concluded with the Blue & Gold leading 2-1.

New Haven capitalized on a strong offensive surge in the second quarter, with Summer Castiglione (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) scoring three times, including a free-position shot at 13:37. Castiglione notched a season-high of 4 goals in this game. Dunwoody also contributed significantly, netting three goals with assists from Seleny and Kendall Morrill (Plaistow, N.H./Timberlane Regional), who scored their first goal of the season. Despite Central Connecticut State's brief rally with goals by Monacelli and Grace McGann, New Haven maintained control. Lucy Shafer (Haymarket, Va./Battfleield) sealed the quarter's scoring at 00:28, ensuring New Haven ended the quarter ahead, 10-5. Shafer recorded a season-high of 3 assists during the game.

Dunwoody ignited New Haven's momentum in the third quarter with a goal at 11:53, capitalizing on a turnover caused by her own defensive play. Despite Central Connecticut State's response with two quick goals by Monacelli, New Haven kept its composure. Following a timeout, Dunwoody scored again at 7:06 on a player-up opportunity, assisted by Shafer, further extending New Haven's lead.

The Chargers continued to assert their advantage with goals from Sophia Minnion (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) at 4:36 and Morrill at 3:25, creating a solid buffer. Central Connecticut State added a late goal from Isabella Raffone, but New Haven maintained control, closing the quarter with a 14-8 lead.

New Haven capitalized early in the fourth quarter with a goal from Sienna Inbody (Omaha, Neb./Westside) at 12:44, assisted by Seleny. Inbody's goal marked her first of the season. Shortly after, Castiglione added another at 11:19, extending the lead. Marissa Pinkham (Windsor, Conn./East Catholic) further increased the margin with a player-up goal at 6:50, again assisted by Seleny, marking Pinkham's first goal of the season.

Central Connecticut State responded with goals from McGann and Raffone but could not close the gap. Despite Central's efforts, the Chargers maintained their lead. The game ended with New Haven securing a 17-11 victory.

New Haven Top Performers

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

Summer Castiglione (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial)
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- 4 goals
- 6 shots
- 2 unassisted goals
- 1 free-position goal

Caitlin Seleny (Derry, N.H./Pinkerton)
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- 7 assists

Lucy Shafer (Haymarket, Va./Battfleield)
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- 1 goal
- 3 assists
- 3 shots

In their next game, New Haven will travel to face Delaware State University on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. The match will take place in Dover, Delaware, with New Haven playing as the visiting team.