ONEONTA, N.Y. (March 29, 2009) – Junior Alyssa Pigott recorded seven points, and sophomore Christine Smith scored five goals as the No. 15 Stevens Institute of Technology women's lacrosse team was dominant in a 20-5 win at Hartwick College on Sunday afternoon in Oneonta, N.Y. Sophomore defender Kate Cox picked up a game-high 11 ground balls and caused five turnovers to pace the Stevens defense, and senior captain Grace Sack allowed just three goals in 50:17 of game time in goal. The win pushes the Ducks to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the Empire 8.
It took the Ducks almost five minutes to get on the board with Pigott opening the scoring thanks to an assist from Smith. Sophomore Leah Wasserman put the Ducks up 2-0 and, Smith and Pigott scored within 15 seconds of each other for a 4-0 lead.
Emily Walsh (Cortland, N.Y.) got the Hawks on the board but would never get closer than 5-2 as the Ducks opened a 9-3 lead after 30 minutes of play. Walsh scored her third goal of the half with 11:30 remaining, and from that point, the Ducks went on to score 13-straight times, holding Hartwick scoreless for 32:56 when it was all said and done.
Stevens came out in the second half and really put the Hawks away with five goals in the first five minutes of action. Smith and Wasserman each scored twice in the spurt.
Sack, the reigning Empire 8 and WomensLacrosse.com Goalkeeper of the Week, had to only make two saves as the senior is now 8-0 on the year. The Ducks held a 48-10 advantage in shots and picked up 35 ground balls. Stevens converted on 2-of-5 free-position shots and won 21 of the 27 draw controls.
Pigott totaled four goals and three assists and controlled two draws. Sophomore midfielder Karen Federico tallied four times and scooped up two ground balls. Smith was big once again, scoring five times, registering one assist, six draw controls and three ground balls.
Cox caused five turnovers in addition to her 11 ground balls and scored once. Wasserman finished with three goals and an assist, two ground balls, and three draw controls. Sophomore Pamela Loria tallied once, assisted twice, had four ground balls, two draw controls, and a caused turnover. Senior captain Cassidy Callahan had five draw controls and a ground ball.
Stevens has scored at least 16 goals in every game this season and scored 20 for the second time Sunday.
Sophomore Tiffany Bishop (Shoreham, Vt.) and freshman Brittany LaVaute (Skaneateles, N.Y.) each scored once for the Hawks as Walsh led the way with three goals. Stevens held a commanding 29-7 edge in shots after the first half but was frustrated by Hartwick goalkeeper Lisa Isabella (Sandy Hook, Conn.) and the post. Isabella stopped nine shots in the first half alone and six of the Ducks' shots ricocheted off the pipe in the opening 30 minutes.
Stevens will return to action on April 4 against Ithaca College at the De Baun Athletic Complex. The game begins at 12 p.m. and will be webcast live at www.Empire8.tv.
