NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women’s lacrosse team takes to the field to battle conference opponent the Iona Gaels this Saturday, April 7 at noon at Niagara Field.

The Purple Eagles (3-5; 0-1 MAAC) snatched their third win of the season with a 16-9 victory over the Notre Dame Falcons on Wednesday.  It was Niagara’s largest margin of victory since defeating Howard, 23-5 in 2009. 

Senior Emily French secured her third hat trick of the season with a four-goal effort, while sophomore Paige Matecki tallied her first career hat trick and added an assist. 

French ‘s current season totals in goals (21) and points (23) lead the Purple Eagles, and are career-highs for the midfielder.  Niagara is getting solid contributions from the freshmen class as Carrie-Jo Farrugia  and Courtney Pierce lead the team in assists, and are tied for third on the team in goals with eight apiece.

Matecki has played a large role in NU’s ability to possess the ball, averaging  4.25 draw controls per match, good for second in the MAAC, while Niagara is second in the conference with 13.62 draw controls per game.  

The Gaels (6-5; 0-1 MAAC) are heading into this weekend having dropped their conference opener to Fairfield, 12-7.  Junior Kylie Gregory leads the team in goals (30) and points (39), while fellow junior Brittney Mabus is tops in the team with 11 assists.