The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team was not able to top the University of Delaware Blue Hens and fell 17-9 this past Sunday.

Hofstra is now at 0-2 in CAA play, and 6-5 overall.

A small lead early in the first half gave the Blue Hens a lead that the Pride could not overcome. The teams were knotted at four early in the first half, but that was the last time the Pride matched the Blue Hens’ score. Hofstra remained close behind Delaware for most of the first half, staying within three goals of the Blue Hens. A slim two-point deficit (8-6) seemed attainable to close coming back from the second half, but the Blue Hens maintained their momentum from the first. Delaware outscored Hofstra 9-3 in the second half.

Early in the second half things looked promising for the Pride. A pair of goals from Becky Conto and Drew Shapiro put the Pride within one goal of Delaware. The Blue Hens were quick to respond though, and scored three consecutive times just two minutes after Shapiro’s goal. The Pride could not manage to score again in the second half until Conto scored on a free-position shot with just two seconds left to play.

On the other hand, the Blue Hens continued to rack up goals. Delaware held a 13-8 lead halfway through the second period, but the team did not let the cushion make it comfortable.

Freshman Alyssa Parrella led Hofstra in goals, adding three more to total 34 so far in her debut season. Conto trailed behind, tallying two goals this match. Shapiro, Carlee Ancona, Morgan Knox and Lexi Lenaghan rounded out the rest of the score with one goal apiece.

The Blue Hens’ defense aided in the victory on Sunday. Delaware was quick to snag possession from ground ball pickups and the defense was able to successfully clear the field to score on multiple occasions. On the other hand, the Pride struggled to maintain possession throughout the contest.

Hofstra goalie Maddie Fields struggled to keep up with the shots from Delaware. Twenty-three of the Blue Hens’ shots were on goal and Fields only managed to make four saves.

Parrella led the Pride in assists as well as goals, totaling two this match. Ancona, Conto, Knox and Tessa Sinatro each added an assist as well.

Hofstra returns to Hempstead to take the field against James Madison University on Friday, April 14. Game time is set for 7 p.m.