HOBOKEN, N.J. (April 23, 2021)  – The Stevens Institute of Technology women's lacrosse team scored five unanswered goals in the second half to defeat No. 9 York College of Pennsylvania 8-7 Friday in a non-conference matchup at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.

With a little over six minutes remaining in regulation, junior Natalie Fitzpatrick was in the perfect place at the perfect time, swiftly moving in to pick up a loose ball that was laying on the turf just to the right of the cage. After securing the ball, the Annandale, New Jersey native took a step or two to her left and fired the ball over the left shoulder of York goalie Riley DiFiore to send the Ducks into a celebration on the field. 

"I think Natalie has been looking for a moment like that all year and she was able to capitalize on it," said head coach Karen Shaddock. "I know that that will give her the confidence to be that threat moving forward that she has the potential to be."

The goal capped off an incredible rally that saw Stevens overcome a 7-3 halftime deficit. Led by a strong defensive effort that included six saves from junior Lauren Cunniff, the Ducks held York scoreless over the game's final 30 minutes, marking the first time that the nationally-ranked Spartans were shut out in a half since Apr. 29. 2017 in the Capital Athletic Conference Championship. 

"I'm incredibly proud of the way we played today; a very mentally tough performance," Shaddock said. "I'm happy for our seniors; what a Senior Day for them."

"Offensively, it was a team win and our contributions were really spread out," the third-year head coach continued. "It's hard to defend teams that have many different threats. We had so many different people score today, but the leadership from Kyra and Emily really helped take care of the offense today, but overall, an incredible team win."

With the victory, Stevens extended its winning streak to three and moved to 7-4 on the year. The triumph marked the program's first-ever victory over York, snapping the Spartans' two-game winning streak in the all-time series. Not only was the come-from-behind win was the Ducks' first victory over a top-10 opponent since a 16-14 decision over third-ranked The College of New Jersey on Apr. 29, 2010, but it also marked the first head coaching victory over a top-10 opponent for Shaddock.

Fitzpatrick finished the day with two goals for her fourth multi-goal performance of the season. Fifth-year Kyra Bednarski extended her point streak with three goals and an assist to move within five points of becoming the program's all-time leading scorer. First-year Emily Leiby, joined junior Camryn Rogers and sophomore Zoe Cook in finding the back of the net for the Ducks, with Rogers contributing an assist to round out the offensive contributions.

Madison Marciniak had a pair of goals for York, who dropped to 10-2 on the year. York came into the game outscoring opponents 208-57 and were held 11 goals under its season average.

"Our defense played fantastic," Shaddock commented. "Olivia Sohl, Brynne, Sierra all played outstanding and really made impacts for us defensively."

Senior Peyton Taylor drew the start and matched a season high with seven saves, while Cunniff earned the victory with her second-half performance. DiFiore made 13 saves for York.

"Cunniff was incredible in the cage," Shaddock shared.

Prior to the game, the women's lacrosse program recognized its Class of 2021: Bednarski, Kayla Buell, Tara Ravoli, Emily Shanklin and Taylor in a pregame ceremony.

"All of our seniors always step up in big moments," Shaddock commented. "Today was a big moment for our team and they really stepped up. I am really happy for them and what they were able to accomplish. Great motivation going into the playoffs."

York got on the board first, with Jenna Choloinski taking advantage of a Stevens green card to give the visitors an early advantage. The Spartans would go on to score the next four goals to take a 5-0 lead 11 minutes into the contest before the resilient Ducks began the comeback.

Bednarski put the Ducks on the board with her 44th of the year before beating a double team to find a cutting Fitzpatrick to bring the Ducks within three. The NCAA's active career leader in points, Bednarski has had at least one goal in 52 straight games.

Rogers beat DiFiore to make it three in a row for the Ducks, before a pair of Spartan goals sent the teams into the intermission with York holding a four-goal lead.

Leiby would open second-half scoring with her seventh of the year before Bednarski netted consecutive goals to complete her ninth hat trick of the year to draw the Ducks within one. With each Stevens goal, the home crowd became more and more energized, looking to will the home team on to victory. Cook's 20th goal of the season knotted the teams at seven, setting up Fitzpatrick's heroics.

With time winding down, Cunniff rejected a Kiersten Blanchard free-position shot and then deflected a tricky shot from Ashley Dierolf to keep the Ducks in front. Any chances of a York equalizer were put to bed in the final minute, when Christina Vendelis was issued a green card for delaying the game that allowed Stevens to run out the clock.

Stevens outshot York 32-28, including a 14-11 margin in the second half. Bednarski led all student-athletes with eight shots, while Zoe Cook had seven. Of the Ducks' 32 shots, 21 were on goal.

The Ducks recorded 10 caused turnovers on 16 York miscues. Rogers and sophomore Olivia Sohl each had two. Conversely, Stevens finished the game with 14 turnovers with York only causing one.

A key contributor to the Ducks' comeback was being even with York in draw controls in the second half. Although the Spartans held an 11-6 advantage for the game, each side corralled exactly three over the game's final 30 minutes. Furthermore, the two biggest draws of the game, occurring after the Ducks' seventh and eight goals, were won by junior Morgan Westerby and Rogers, respectively, allowing the Ducks to continue the momentum gained by netting the tying and go-ahead goals.

Stevens held a slim 15-12 advantage in ground balls with Bednarski and first-year Sierra Doss each picking up three.

Bednarski and Leiby each converted free-position shots for the Ducks, who finished 2 for 10 on the day. York was able to convert 4 of its 11 eight-meter attempts.

The contest marked the end of the Ducks' regular season.

Up Next: Women's Lacrosse awaits its opponent in the MAC Freedom tournament. Please note that all event times, dates and opponents are subject to change.

Facebook: "Like" Stevens Athletics         
Twitter: @stevensducks
Instagram: @stevensducks
#AllRise