The Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team closed out the regular season in dominant fashion on Saturday, April 25, with a 15-2 win over against the College of William & Mary at James M. Shuart Stadium. The win improved Hofstra to 10-6 overall and 6-1 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play, marking the program’s highest win total since 2019.The Pride will enter the CAA Championship as the No. 2 seed and face No. 3 Towson University in the semifinals.
The game also carried emotional significance, as Hofstra honored its four seniors – Luchianna Cardello, Julia Harris, Nikki Mennella and Madeleine Rudolph – prior to their final home appearance. Head coach Shannon Smith reflected on the team’s development and impact.
“One of my favorite things as a coach is watching them grow from freshmen to where they are now,” Shannon Smith said. “They’ve grown not just as players, but as people and teammates.”
The Pride took control straight out of the gate with goals from Mennella, Kayleigh Bender and Shannon Steck, putting the Pride ahead 3-0. Despite a late first-quarter goal from William & Mary’s Mila Millhouse, Hofstra responded emphatically, rattling off six unanswered goals to take a commanding 9-1 lead midway through the third quarter.
Shannon Smith liked her team’s energy from start to finish.
“I thought that we came out fast [and] strong, [then] we finished the game fast and strong,” Shannon Smith said. “They really wanted to win for our seniors and get their 10th win of the season.”
The offense surge was led by Mennella who finished the game with five goals and three assists. The senior attacker and three time CAA Offensive Player of the Week this season has been a crucial part of the Prides success this season, Shannon Smith highlighted.
“[Mennella is] so fiery and electric on the field,” Shannon Smith said. “She brings a lot of confidence and excitement to the team.”
Bender added four goals and an assist while Steck and Harris chipped in three and two goals, respectively.
Defensively, the Pride stifled the Tribe to just nine shots and forced 18 turnovers, suffocating the Tribe’s attack throughout much of the afternoon. Hofstra defenders Brighid Smith and Christine Dannenfelser led the charge, each tallying four caused turnovers. Brighid Smith also recorded six ground balls in a standout performance.
“We were really on them this week,” Shannon Smith said. “They were locked in and did a really great job.
Senior Goalkeeper Cardello anchored the unit with four saves. The Pride dominated possession, winning 15 of 19 draw controls behind strong efforts from Mennella, Rudolph and Dannenfelser.
After William & Mary’s second goal late in the third quarter, Hofstra once again responded with authority, closing the game on a six-goal run to secure the 15-2 victory.
Despite the victory, Shannon Smith stated the importance of keeping the focus ahead going into the CAA Championship.
“Winning’s hard, so we’re going to enjoy today,” Shannon Smith said. “But tomorrow, we turn our attention to Towson.”
The Pride will take on the Tigers in the CAA Championship Semifinals on Thursday, April 30, at 2:30 p.m. in Stony Brook, New York.
