ROCHESTER, N.Y. (March 24, 2018) – Mackenzie Metzler and Kyra Bednarski both earned hat tricks to lead the Stevens Institute of Technology women's lacrosse team to an 11-7 victory over Nazareth College in both teams' Empire 8 opener on Saturday. Stephanie Schnelzer and the Duck defense held the Golden Flyers to just one second half goal to seal the win.
 
Schnelzer made nine saves on her way to her fifth win of the season.
 
Stevens fell behind early, with Naz netting the game's first two goals in just 90 seconds. But Metzler and Julianna Ricci took less than one minute to tie it up at two with 26:20 on the clock.
 
Naz scored again to take a 3-2 lead, but this time Metzler teamed with Emily Shanklin to score two quick goals to put Stevens in front for the first time.
 
The Golden Flyers struck for two more in a row to flip the lead back to their side, but Metzler started a 4-0 Duck run in the final 12:42 of the half to give Stevens an 8-6 lead at the break.
 
Bednarski scored again to begin the second period. Naz answered with a goal at 26:23, but Stevens held them scoreless for the rest of the game. Schnelzer made six second-half saves to cement the victory for the Ducks.
 
Cami Santor, who earned four huge assists in the game, added a goal at 24:27.
 
After that, the only other tally was Ricci – set up by Santor – with seven minutes remaining.
 
In addition to her nine saves, Schnelzer shared the team lead in ground balls with Emily Shanklin and Tori Bruce, who all came up with three.
 
Haley Hanrahan scooped up a team-best five draw controls. Shanklin added three and Metzler had two.
 
Kayla Buell forced a pair of Naz turnovers.
 
Coach's Corner
 
"This was a total team win," said head coach Celine Cunningham. We played great defense, and our attack was relentless on the ride. On offense, we were smart with our possessions against a very talented goalie."
 
Up Next
 
The Ducks will head to No. 12 Wesleyan University on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. showdown.
 
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