March 14, 2005

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Saint Joseph's women's lacrosse team opened its 2005 campaign in the right direction Monday evening, downing Wagner College 11-5 at Finnesey Field.

The Hawks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as senior Shannon Scott and junior Lindsay Brown scored at 27:20 and 25:25, respectively, to give Saint Joseph's an early edge.

After allowing a Seahawk goal at 24:47, the Hawks' defense clamped down and held Wagner scoreless for the remainder of the half.

On offense, Saint Joseph's broke the game open, scoring four consecutive goals to end the first stanza. Junior attacker Kerry O'Connell accounted for two of her game-high four goals during that stretch.

In the second half, O'Connell opened the scoring at 26:27 to give the Hawks a 7-1 lead.

Following a goal from Wagner at 25:52, Saint Joseph's again posted a four-goal run, this time extending its lead to 11-2 on O'Connell's goal at 17:26.

Wagner would add three late goals, but the Hawks' offense did a solid job keeping possession of the ball to run out the clock.

For the game, Saint Joseph's out shot Wagner 33-11, with the Hawk's senior goalkeeper Courtney Huff making five saves in the victory.

Offensively, O'Connell led the way for SJU with her four goals on nine shots. Sophomore Jen Egan added two goals, while Scott finished with a goal and two assist for three points. Freshmen Christina Colangelo and Lindsey-Kate McCool both recorded their first collegiate goals in the victory.

Heather George and Leann Matta paced Wagner with two goals apiece, while Erica Brown made 11 saves in a losing effort between the pipes.

With the victory, the Hawks improve to 1-0 on the season, while Wagner falls to 0-4.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Wednesday when it hosts American at 5 p.m.