NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The first home night game in the history of the women's lacrosse program (4-7; 1-1 MAAC) at Niagara didn't go the way they had hoped, dropping a 17-3 decision to the visiting Manhattan Jaspers (8-3; 3-1 MAAC) amidst driving rains and high winds.

The Jaspers opened up scoring just three minutes in, with Phelicia Overbeke beating Purple Eagles senior netminder Whitney Gill (Canandaigua, N.Y.). Junior Courtney Formato (Lancaster, N.Y.) struck right back 35 seconds later, firing a high laser beam over Jasper goalie Heidi Sheffer to tie the game. Manhattan would then utilize a 5-1 run to lead 6-2 at halftime.

With the wind to their backs, Niagara looked to close the four-goal gap, but were unsuccessful. The Jaspers opened the second half by scoring six goals in the first 10:05 of the period to put the game out of reach. Freshman Nicole Karek (Lake View, N.Y.) scored Niagara's lone second half goal.

The Purple Eagles next take on the Iona Gaels on Sunday at 11 a.m. Prior to Sunday's game, the lacrosse team will honor its senior class for all of their contributions to Niagara Athletics.