Over 1,200 fans gathered at James M. Shuart Stadium for the battle of Long Island to watch the No. 6 ranked team in the nation, the Stony Brook Seawolves, take on the Hofstra Pride for a highly competitive night in women’s lacrosse. With a surprising turn of events throughout the night, the Pride suffered defeat, 12-6, falling short by six goals and ending their five-game winning streak. “It was a hard-fought game … I thought our team worked super hard and played hard for all four quarters,” said Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith. 

Senior Arianna Esposito started the night strong and put the first goal on the board for the Pride. This was followed by another from Erin Demek in the first seven minutes of the game, putting the Pride at a 2-1 advantage. 

Before Hofstra could continue to add to its lead, the Seawolves earned a pair of goals. Senior Amanda Guerra tied the game and scored her first goal of the evening.  

Esposito cut the deficit to two goals at halftime with a free position goal, while Guerra scored her second to make it a one-goal game in the second half. 

The Seawolves then went on a 6-0 run throughout the third and fourth quarters. Midway through the third, the Pride cut the advantage to one, 6-5, but Stony Brook seized control, scoring six straight points to seal the game.

Guerra finished her hat trick with 53 seconds left in the game, but it wasn’t enough.

Junior Taylor Mennella had two assists, while freshman Brynn Hepting stepped up tremendously with a game-high of 6 draw controls, a ground ball and a caused turnover. In addition, graduate student Shannon Boyle and senior Jackie Gatti recorded two ground balls and a caused turnover apiece.

“I think in the second half we had some unforced turnovers with passing, and we didn’t get enough shots up, so I think that was a big difference, and in the fourth quarter we kept draw controls tight and then the fourth quarter Stony Brook had that five to one on draws, and they just had more possessions,” Smith said. “The ball was in their sticks a lot, and they had to make some tough passes on the inside, but we’ve got to clean that up. We’ll learn, we’ll grow, and we’ve got another game on Sunday, so we have to have a quick turnaround.”  

Smith added that numerous players, such as Hepting and Esposito, have stepped up for the team in many ways. Still, there is a lot to take away from playing a nationally ranked team. “We’re having a great season right now, and obviously this one stings, but we’re lucky that we have a quick turnaround to a very good lacrosse team,” she said. 

Despite Friday’s defeat, Hofstra recorded a perfect 13-13 record on clears and had a 13-12 advantage in ground balls. 

Hofstra welcomes Vanderbilt University to James M. Shuart Stadium on Sunday, March 20.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics.