The Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse team began their 2023 campaign with a 14-6 victory over the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks at James M. Shuart Stadium from Hofstra University, on Saturday, Feb. 11.
“Just awesome,” said Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith. “Our team worked really hard all preseason. It’s really great to start off our season with a win. Just really proud of our team. It’s a team win.”
LIU began the scoring with a goal just 1:26 into the game. This, however, would be the only time that the Pride would find themselves behind in the game. Jackie Gatti tied it up a little over four minutes later on a free-position shot, before Hofstra was off and running beginning in the second quarter.
Hofstra scored an additional five unanswered goals in the second quarter and took a 7-3 lead into the locker room. Rachel Graff scored twice in the quarter. Taylor Mennella, Lauren Coletti and Kerry Walser also found the back of the net. Yet it was Katie Kelly who stole the show, scoring once and providing three assists in the second, before finishing the day with three goals and four assists.
“She did unbelievable,” Smith said. “She did exactly what we asked her to do. She’s been having a really great preseason. She helps quarterback our team from behind the cage with Taylor Mennella.”
Hofstra was once again in control throughout the third quarter. The Pride saw goals from Walser, Kate Fiola and Nikki Mennella, as well as another two goals and an assist from Kelly.
“We talked about in the huddles that we just need to move the ball quicker,” Kelly said. “The more we move the ball and cut for each other, the more open the looks were going to be. So I think that really helped us start rallying goals and getting the score up.”
Coletti and Nikki Mennella each added their second goal of the day in the fourth period, as the Pride was able to seal the deal.
Kelly led the team with seven points, while Taylor Mennella and Walser each had four. Jess Smith made four saves in the net while limiting the Sharks to just six goals. As a team, Hofstra had 19 shots on goal, compared to 10 from LIU. They also won 16 draws, compared to eight from LIU, and had 17 ground balls, compared to 10 from LIU. They also took advantage of 19 fouls committed by LIU, twelve more than they committed.
“Strong quarter two and three,” Smith said. “Obviously moving forward next week we’re going to look for a quarter one, two, three and four strong going into Vanderbilt. Our team has a really great mindset and will handle adversity and challenges and different pieces of the game that’s thrown at them.”
Hofstra’s next game will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, as they take on Vanderbilt University on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+, and live stats will be available on gohofstra.com.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Lee S. Weissman
