Ashley Baker

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University women’s lacrosse team earned its third-consecutive win Thursday afternoon, defeating Binghamton University, 8-6, on a cold and rainy afternoon at Niagara Field. Junior Ashley Baker tallied the game’s first three goals and added an assist to help the Purple Eagles to the home-opening victory.

The Niagara defense held Binghamton to just one goal in the first half, when junior goaltender Michelle Nucci registered seven of her 13 saves.  

Binghamton’s Laura Gabbamonte scored at the 3:08 mark, putting the Bearcats on the board, 3-1. But senior tri-captain Kelly Barber scored the half’s final goal, giving the Purple Eagles the 4-1 lead at the half. 

In the second half, Binghamton registered three goals within the first 3:21, but could not even the score, as the Niagara offense pressured Bearcats goalie Christa Quon, scoring at the 1:51 mark and back-to-back goals at 3:06 and 7:26. Quon ended the game with 11 saves on 21 Niagara shots. 

After a Binghamton goal with 4:18 remaining in the game, Niagara maintained control in the Bearcats’ defensive zone until the final horn sounded. 

The Purple Eagles return to the road this weekend with a Saturday game against Fairfield at 1 p.m. before traveling to Manhattan for a 10 a.m. contest Sunday.