WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Niagara University women's lacrosse team saw its season come to a close with a 14-9 loss to the Monmouth Hawks on Saturday afternoon in the MAAC Tournament First Round.

Seniors Carrie-Jo Farrugia and Hannah Barnett led the Purple Eagles with three goals each. Niagara also received offensive support from Erin Patenaude, Molly Gray and Taylor Wolf with one goal apiece. Additionally, Patenaude added a team-high two assists in the game.

"I could not be more proud of the effort put forth by our team today and this season," head coach Wendy Stone said. "We fought for everything and displayed our heart throughout. We took some big steps forward this season and thank the seniors for paving the way for our program to reach the next level."

The opening minutes of the first half were controlled by the Hawks as Monmouth opened up the game with three consecutive goals to give the hosts the initial lead.  Over the next ten minutes, Niagara managed to bring the matchup within one, 4-3, with 12:36 remaining in the first half. The Hawks then closed the first stanza with two goals to go into halftime with a 6-3 lead.

Farrugia notched the first two goals of the second half to bring the score back within one; however, Monmouth responded with two goals to reclaim a three-goal lead. Niagara battled back to tie the contest, 9-9, after going on a 4-1 run. Monmouth, then, strung together the final five goals of the game to secure the 14-9 victory. 

The senior class of Barnett, Brittany Delano, Farrugia, Emily Fleetwood and Patenaude have combined for 213 goals, 101 assists and 314 points in 64 games played.  Farrugia will leave NU ranked in the top-10 on Niagara's single-season goals and points list and will be in the top-10 of Niagara's career goals, assists and points record.  The attacker finished her career with 103 total goals and 159 points.

"We will definitely miss the seniors' character, leadership and talent next season," Stone concluded. "I believe we are ready to take the next step as a program and will work to make sure we get there next year."

The Purple Eagles finished the season at 6-12 overall and 3-5 in MAAC play.

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