Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team extended their winning streak to two games on Saturday, Feb. 14, against Quinnipiac University at The Quinnipiac Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium. The final score was 12-7, led by Kayleigh Bender with a career-high six points, scoring four goals and adding two assists.
Natalie Demo’s goal, assisted by Nikki Mennella, got the Pride on the board early in the first quarter, but goals from Emma Miller-Ayala and Mia Delmond put the Bobcats on top 2-1. Two later goals from Mennella, one of them from a man-up opportunity, gave the pride the 3-2 lead that ended the first quarter. However, the Bobcats were the only goal-scorers in the second quarter, where they tallied three straight goals from Peyton Choma, Julia Givens and Anna Givens. Hofstra trailed 5-3 at the half but flipped the game in a decisive third quarter, outscoring the Bobcats 6-1 to take full control.
Mennella sparked the turnaround with back-to-back goals. Her first one tied the contest at six, and her second – an unassisted tally – gave Hofstra the lead for good. Mennella finished with four goals and one assist for five points, while DeMeo added three goals for her first collegiate hat trick. Mennella also continued her climb up the program’s record book. She registered her second hat trick of the season and the 23rd of her career. With her five-point performance, she moved into eighth place on Hofstra’s All-Time points list with 185 career points, surpassing her sister Taylor Mennella, who accumulated 182 points from 2020 to 2024. Nikki Mennella also moved into seventh place all-time in goals with 127, passing three former players, including current assistant coach Alexa Mattera.
The Pride’s defense tightened in the second half, limiting Quinnipiac to just two goals after halftime. Offensively, Hofstra outshot the Bobcats 10-3 in the third quarter and maintained control the rest of the way, extending its lead to secure the five-goal victory.
Christine Dannenfelser led the defensive effort with four caused turnovers, four draw controls and three ground balls. Evin Terzioglu collected four ground balls. Natalie Little tallied three ground balls and three caused turnovers, while Madeleine Rudolph secured five draw controls. Goalkeeper Luchianna Cardello made eight saves with seven goals against.
The Bobcats’ Anna Givens led the team with four points, and Choma led Bobcats goalscorers with three goals.
The win improves the Pride’s record to 2-1 on the season, while the Bobcats’ start of the season is 0-1. The victory now makes Hofstra 8-0 all-time against Quinnipiac since the two teams’ first-ever meeting. The Pride looks to extend their win streak to three when they return home on Saturday, Feb. 21, to face Fairfield University at Captains Field. Opening draw is set for noon.
