Women's Lacrosse Takes Down Nor’easters, 16-9

BIDDEFORD, M.E. (April 1, 2023) – The Western New England women's lacrosse team took on CCC opponent, the University of New England Nor'easters on the road where the Golden Bears came out with a win, 16-9, against the Nor'easters.

Records:

• Western New England: 5-4, 1-1 CCC
• U. of New England: 7-3, 1-1 CCC

How it Happened: In less than a minute into the game, Kylie Buchanan put in the first goal of the game, and a man-up goal a couple of minutes later to give the Golden Bears a 2-0 start. While action continued, Samantha Vitka got one to reach the back of the net with a free position shot for WNE after the Nor'easters put a score on the board. The last goal of the first quarter was taken by Anabella Arias to give WNE a 4-2 lead into the second.

The Golden Bears came out in the second quarter on fire. Emmy Burns shot in her fifth goal of the season at 12:42, Mia Celentano scored on a free position at 11:05, and Ally Ferraro also put in a free position shot at 10:38. With a small scoring break, the Golden Bears got back to throwing shots in, two more for Celentano and one more for Ferraro, giving them a 10-2 lead. The Nor'easters ended the half with two more goals but trailed 10-4. After two quarters, the Golden Bears had taken a total of 18 shots while UNE had 17. Goalie Faith Graveline completed seven saves while Maria Turriza had five.

Buchanan took the opening goal of the second half as well. It was met with more fight from the Nor'easters who answered with two consecutive goals. A lot of missed attempts and a couple of turnovers both ways, the final four minutes of the third was jammed with action. Buchanan shot another one in, followed by Hannah Jarvis less than 30 seconds later with a free position goal, UNE snuck a goal in there, and Vitka finished the quarter out by throwing her fourth one in, Golden Bears on top 14-7.

In the final period, UNE's Kelsey Hartigan gave the Nor'easters their last two goals in the game back-to-back within the first five minutes. The Golden Bears also shot in two more goals. Buchanan and Vitka taking their fifth and third goal of the game. The Golden Bears earned their first CCC win over the Nor'easters 16-9.

Around the Edges:

• The Golden Bears outshot the Nor'easters 34-32 with the Golden Bears having 26 shots on goal and UNE had 23.
• Kylie Buchanan had five goals for the Golden Bears on seven shots on goal.
• Samantha Vitka had three goals and two assists, grabbing two groundballs, and eight draw controls.
• Mia Celentano also had three goals and two assists.
• Goalie Faith Graveline concluded the night with 14 saves on 23 shots and taking her fifth win of the season. UNE goalie, Maria Turriza had 10 saves on 26 shots.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears will play Curry College in a conference match-up, Tuesday April 4, at 4 p.m. in Golden Bear Stadium.
• The Nor'easters next game will be against Wentworth Institute Leopards on Tuesday, April 4, in Boston.