The Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse team defeated the University of Connecticut Huskies 17-11 in their home opener on Saturday, Feb. 20. Alyssa Parrella added another record to her illustrious career, as the third goal of her seven-goal performance made her the Colonial Athletic Association’s (CAA) all-time leading scorer with 222 goals, breaking the 19-year-old record previously held by Stacey Morlang of Loyola University Maryland.

“I couldn’t be more proud and happy for Alyssa to have that record,” said Pride head coach Shannon Smith. “It’s not easy to do, especially in the CAA.”

“Obviously, it’s a very honoring and humbling experience,” Parrella said. “After a game, I look to move forward and see how I can improve in the next game.”

Six of Parrella’s seven goals came in the first half, including four coming less than 13 minutes in. Hofstra started up 4-0 in the first eight and a half minutes. A goal by Arianna Esposito later on in the half gave Hofstra an 8-3 lead with just under six and a half minutes remaining in the first.

The Huskies scored four straight goals in the final minutes of the first half to cut the deficit to one. Parrella’s sixth goal with 21 seconds remaining put the Pride up 9-7 going into halftime.

“They got three fast break goals on us, so we would definitely like to have those back,” Smith said. “We made our adjustment.”

Although the Huskies had some momentum after halftime when Lia LaPrise’s goal cut the Pride’s lead to 9-8, Hofstra answered by scoring five straight goals. LaPrise tallied a hat trick for the Huskies, as did Sydney Watson.

With the Pride up 14-8 and 20:49 remaining, a big blow was dealt to the Huskies’ comeback chances when Watson was disqualified after receiving her second yellow card.

Alexa Mattera led the Pride’s offense in the second half with three goals. Grace Langella and Esposito both scored their second goals of the afternoon in the second half. Katie Whelan added a score, and freshman midfielder Kerry Walser put in the first goal of her collegiate career.

“We’re excited to have this many goal scorers on our stat sheet,” Smith said.

Hofstra was given many opportunities with the ball thanks to Mattera and Darcie Smith. The Pride outscored the Huskies 20-10 on the draw control. Smith had 10 and Mattera added eight.

Goalkeeper Jess Smith allowed 11 goals and had nine saves. Huskies goalkeeper Landyn White was pulled after allowing 13 goals and recording only five saves in over 37 minutes. White was replaced in goal by Annie Carroll, who allowed four balls past her and stopped three in relief. 

The Pride’s next game is on the road against Army West Point on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Jacob Lewis/The Hofstra Chronicle