The Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team suffered their second consecutive loss in a 15-7 game on the road at the hands of the Fairfield University Stags on Saturday, Feb. 25. 

After Hofstra opened the season with two consecutive wins, including an upset victory over No. 25 Vanderbilt University, the Pride dropped their second in a row and fell back to .500 on the year.

Hofstra’s offense was carried by the Mennella sisters, as Nikki and Taylor Mennella each scored a hat trick for the Pride in the loss. The sisters have a combined 19 of the Pride’s 39 goals scored thus far this season, with Nikki at 13 goals and Taylor at six. Kerry Walser scored the only other goal for Hofstra in the contest. All seven of Hofstra’s goals were unassisted.

The Stags offense turned on the jets in the contest, putting 15 goals past the Pride. This was due in large part to the contributions of Elizabeth Talltulo, whose four goals and three assists were both team highs in the game. 

Ellie Grefenstette recorded a hat trick for the Stags, while Grace Staler and Amanda Kozak each netted two of their own. The scoring was rounded out by Olivia Doody, Libby Rowe, Haley Burns and Rylee Harrell, who each scored once.

The first quarter was one largely dominated by the Stags, who scored six of the first seven goals scored in the contest, with all four of Talltulo’s goals coming in the first quarter of the game. 

From that point on, it was all Stags. The Pride were outscored 3-1 in the second frame and 5-3 in the third. Although the Pride did score two goals in the fourth, it was too little too late, as they fell 15-7 in commanding fashion.

The Pride, now 2-2 on the season, will look to right the ship before conference play begins. 

Hofstra will play their next two games at James M. Shuart Stadium when Marist College and Army West Point come into town on Wednesday, March 1, and Saturday, March 4 respectively.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics