Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan women's lacrosse team struggled to find an offensive rhythm on Wednesday evening as they fell 11-5 in Stamford, Conn. against Central Connecticut State University. The Jaspers (2-4) were held to just two goals in the first half as the Blue Devils scored the first six goals of the contest.
CCSU's Ashley Mara scored just 1:04 into the game and began a string of six in a row leading to a 6-0 advantage after Meaghan McCurry's tally at the 15:09 mark in the half.
Senior attacker Chrissy Gutenberger broke the drought for Manhattan with her first score of the evening before Domenica O'Brey scored on a free position shot eight minutes later to cut the deficit to 6-2. McCurry finished off the half with her second goal for the Blue Devils to give her team a 7-2 lead going into the locker room.
At the start of the second half, CCSU picked up where they left off as Mara notched two more goals for herself as she finished the day with a hat trick. Betsy Vendel led all players in points as she registered six (two goals and four assists) in the win.
With CCSU (2-2) leading 11-3, Gutenberger scored the final two goals of the game in the final three minutes including a free position goal with 1:41 remaining. The senior was the high scorer for the Jaspers with her three goals while O'Brey found the back of the net twice. Both Kelsey Rehain and BrieAnna Spatarella earned assists for Manhattan.
As a squad, the Jaspers where outshot by the Blue Devils 23-16 while forcing 22 turnovers and coughing it up 24 times. CCSU also earned more ground balls, 27-25, and won 11 of the 18 draw controls.
Freshman goalkeeper Christina Fiorinelli made eight saves in the game while Erin Delancey stopped seven for the Blue Devils. Manhattan was 15-18 in their clear attempts and 3-9 in free position shots. CCSU went 2-4 in free position chances and were successful in 10 of 12 clear attempts.
The Jaspers continue on their season long four game road swing when they travel to Philadelphia, Pa. on Wed., March 14, for a 4:00 p.m. tilt with St. Joseph's.
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