NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's lacrosse team was defeated by Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foe Monmouth, 12-7, on Wednesday afternoon at Niagara Field in the team's first league game of the season.

Niagara is now 3-7 overall and 0-1 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, while the Hawks improve to 6-3 overall and 1-0 in league play.  

Senior attacker Erin Patenaude recorded two goals while fellow senior Hannah Barnett and freshman Jillian Ford each added one goal and one helper. Carrie-Jo Farrugia, Taylor Wolf and Cailyn Negus all finished with one goal apiece to contribute to the Niagara offense.

Freshman Alexandra Higgins led all players with six draw controls while also picking up three ground balls for NU.

Sophomore Andrea Francisco made six saves in the Niagara cage while her counterparts combined for seven. The Purple Eagles held a 13-8 advantage over Monmouth in draw controls won, while the Hawks took a slight edge in shots (24-21) and ground balls (24-21).

The Hawks controlled much of the first half, taking an 8-2 lead into the locker room and was able to hold off a Niagara rally in the second.

Both teams traded goals throughout the first 23 minutes of the second half until Monmouth took its largest lead of the contest at the 3:47 mark, 12-4. The Purple Eagles then strung together three straight to cut the visitors lead to five with 1:23 remaining in the game, however, time expired and MU secured the 12-7 victory. 

Niagara returns to the road for an away game against the Iona Gaels on Saturday, Mar. 28. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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