Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's lacrosse team dropped a close 13-11 conference decision to the Siena Saints on Wednesday afternoon at Niagara Field. 

The game was tightly contested throughout, but the Saints (4-9; 2-2 MAAC)  did not relinquish  the lead the remainder of the contest after sophomore Shannon Pfohl gave Siena a 3-2 lead at the 20:53 mark of the opening half. 

"The first half our team didn't show up," head coach Amber Hill said.  "Although we did have a 50 percent shooting percentage the first half, it unfortunately wasn't enough.  Wawro came in cold off the bench and did a great job filling in for Sorgi.  Second half we didn't capitalize enough on Siena's mistakes, but we're learning and hope to clean up some of the mental and physical errors before Manhattan."  

In the opening minute of play, the Purple Eagles (3-7; 0-3 MAAC)  and Saints traded goals.  Sophomore Paige Matecki connected with Caitlin Sacco on a perfect entrance pass before Sacco ripped on past Siena goalie Kristin Concordia to make it a 1-0 game 14 seconds in. 

Siena scored the next two goals, starting with a free position tally by senior Kristin McMillan followed by a score from junior Katie Maguire.  Senior Nicole Karek made the game even at two apiece, but a 4-2 run by the Saints to end the first half put Siena ahead by a 6-4 margin.

The second 30 minutes of play mirrored the opening half as both teams netted a quick goal.  Karek scored her second goal of the game 30 seconds into the stanza to pull the Purple Eagles within one, but senior Michelle Andreo earned a hat trick 16 seconds later to bring it back to a two-goal game. 

Niagara continued to battle with scores from Sacco, Carrie-Jo Farrugia , Emily French, and Fran Pollastro, but the Purple Eagles could not come back from two three-goal deficits. 

French had a five-point night for Niagara, accumulating four goals and an assist, while Pollastro, Sacco and Karek each finished the game with two goals. 

Sophomore goaltender Kaitlin Sorgi started in net for the Purple Eagles, making four saves, while freshman Nicole Wawro wrapped up the game with seven saves. 

The Purple Eagles are set to begin their three-game road trip this Saturday, April 14 when Niagara battles conference opponent the Manhattan Jaspers at 1 p.m.