The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team (5-3) notched its first ranked win Saturday, March 16, defeating No. 25 High Point University (4-4) 13-10 at the U.S. Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. It was the Pride’s only neutral site game of the regular season.
The Pride never trailed throughout the match and only led by one goal twice, 1-0 and 2-1. Alyssa Parrella was unstoppable with six goals and two assists. Katie Whelan chipped in two of her own. Six other players also put up goals for the Pride: Mary Kate Gerety, Arianna Esposito, Jenna Budd, Alexa Mattera and Shannon Boyle all had a goal each. They led by as many as five goals in parts of the game, keeping the Panthers at bay. Jess Smith made 10 saves in goal for a .500 save percentage. The freshman is second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in that category among goaltenders who have played at least five games.
For High Point, Abby Hormes, Kaely Kyle, Ashley Britton, Valerie Pelling and Rachel Foster each scored twice. Foster also notched three assists. Starting goaltender Sarah Zeto made just two saves while giving up 12 goals and taking the loss, while backup goalie Jill Rall stopped four of five shots in almost 20 minutes of work.
It’s a big victory for the Pride who defeated a top 25 team for the first time since the 2017 season when they defeated No. 13 Towson University. They’ve played other ranked teams this season, including close games against University of Southern California and Johns Hopkins University, and one against Maryland University, where the Terrapins pulled away late. Those three games make up the team’s three losses this season. Each team was ranked at the time of the game including the No. 2 ranked Terps. Hofstra has defeated the opponents it should and now has a victory over a tough, ranked opponent. The Pride also snapped a two-game losing streak.
The Pride return to James M. Shuart Stadium on Saturday, March 16, for their last home game before conference play. They host Sacred Heart at 1 p.m.
Image Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
