A career-best seven goals from Kayleigh Bender powered the Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team to a 13-11 road victory over Campbell University on Sunday, March 22. In a game marked by multiple momentum swings, Bender delivered the game-winning goal – her seventh on just nine shots – with just under three minutes remaining. Her goal gave the Pride a 13-11 lead, securing Hofstra’s second win in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play.
Hofstra’s win did not come easily; Campbell struck first with two early goals to establish control. The Pride responded with composure, scoring three in a row to take the lead midway through the first quarter, which was highlighted by two goals from Bender and a woman-up go-ahead score from Charli Joyce.
The first quarter ended in a 3-3 tie, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle. Hofstra began to separate itself in the second quarter, outscoring Campbell 3-1. Bender, once again, led the charge, scoring twice in the period. Her late goal, scored with 19 seconds left before halftime, proved especially significant by giving the Pride a 6-4 lead going into the break.
Campbell came out of the third quarter firing, outscoring Hofstra 5-2 in the period and turning a 6-4 deficit into a 9-8 lead. Emily Wilson led the surge with two goals, including one on a woman-up opportunity, while McKenna Duncan, Paige White and Chloe Annibell each added a goal to fuel the run. Two late goals from Bender to close the third quarter stopped the bleeding for the Pride and tied the game at nine apiece.
In the final quarter, Hofstra regained control due to its strong draw play and timely offense. Nikki Mennella’s goal extended the Pride’s lead to 11-9 midway through the quarter, but Campbell responded when White and Wilson each found the back of the net to tie the game once again.
With the game hanging in the balance, Bender delivered her seventh goal to give Hofstra a 12-11 lead. Kate Lemery followed with an insurance goal just 36 seconds later, providing a cushion that allowed the Pride to close out the victory.
Hofstra’s success was supported by strong performances across the field. Goalkeeper Luchianna Cardello anchored the defense with 10 saves, marking her third double-digit save performance of the season and the 18th of her career. Joyce contributed four points on two goals and two assists, while Kristen Redding added three points on two goals and an assist. Evin Terzioglu forced two ground balls and caused two turnovers.
Mennella’s impact extended beyond the scoresheet since she dominated the draw circle with a game- and season-high eight draw controls, while extending her streaks to 26 consecutive games with a point and 20 straight games with a goal.
Despite being outshot 36-25 and losing the ground ball battle, Hofstra dominated in draw controls 18-8. The win pushed Hofstra to 6-5 overall and 2-0 in CAA play, positioning the Pride as an early contender in conference competition. Campbell, meanwhile, fell to 9-3 overall and 0-2 in league play despite entering the game with one of the strongest overall records in the conference. The victory also improved Hofstra to 3-0 all-time against Campbell, with all three meetings happening since the 2024 season.
The Pride will look to continue its strong start in conference play when they travel to Maryland to face Towson University on Saturday, March 28, at noon.
