Box Score

ALBANY, N.Y. - The Niagara women’s lacrosse team (0-1; 0-0 MAAC) opened up the 2012 season by dropping a 19-9 decision to the No. 16 Albany Great Danes (1-0; 0-0 America East) on Saturday afternoon at John Fallon Field.  

“It was a tough loss because I know they could do better,” first year head coach Amber Hill said.  “Now we know what we’re capable of and what we need to fix.  We’re excited for our upcoming games.”

The Great Danes jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead before sophomore Maria Battista put the Purple Eagles on the board off an assist from junior Fran Pollastro.  Albany continued to control play, though, putting the Purple Eagles in a 14-4 hole heading into the second half. 

The second stanza saw a more evenly matched game as each team tallied five goals with scoring opportunities leaning only slightly towards Albany, 13-11.  

“The girls played hard and fought to the end,” added Hill.  “It shows the character of our team and what we can do.  I’m very proud of what we accomplished today.” 

Pollastro finished the game with two goals and two assists for Niagara, while senior defender Taryn Burkholder added two tallies. 

Sophomore Kaitlin Sorgi made seven saves.   

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Friday, March 2, against Sacred Heart at 3 p.m.