By Alana Pelosi, Sports Editor

The women’s lacrosse team looks to rebound from a loss at Stanford as they prepare themselves as they enter the heart of their season on Friday. The Pride suffered its third loss of the season, all of which have been by one goal, in a 13-14 contest out in Palo Alto, CA. 

Against Stanford, the Pride went into the second half with the lead, but the Cardinal battled back and with 4:13 left scored to tie the game at 12-12. Hofstra head coach Abby Morgan felt the Pride let Stanford stay in the game and it cost the Pride the win. “You look at the three losses all by one goal, all by top 10 or No. 11 team and it has nothing to do with physical play,” said Morgan, “it’s about executing.”

Senior attack Corrine Gandolfi scored early in the first overtime, but Stanford was able to force a second overtime. In the second overtime they pushed passed the Pride for the win on a goal by Claire Hubbard.  Gandolfi led the team in points with two goals and two assists and senior Liz Falco led the team with three goals.  Fellow senior Katie Hertsch provided solid defense with four ground balls, two draw controls and a caused turnover.  Freshmen Jacquelyn Ardolino and Jill Maier continue their impressive rookie campaigns as they contributed two goals apiece. 

Overall, eight players scored for the Pride on Friday night reinforcing its offensive depth.  As the Pride prepares for conference play, its depth will be one of their biggest weapons.  “We’ve had a lot of different scorers each game and it’s hard to scout against,” said Morgan.
Morgan’s squad is preparing to face CAA rival, the College of William & Mary, as the Pride and the Tribe head into the game ranked No. 16 and No. 19, respectively.

Morgan believes that the team should be able to rebound from the loss as it has throughout the season, but she is adamant that whatever happened in non-league play has nothing to do with CAA play.  Instead of focusing on past success or heartbreak, she wants the team to take it one game at a time and to leave the scouting and worrying to the coaches.  “What you did in non-league doesn’t matter and what other teams did doesn’t matter. As a team you have to show up,” Morgan said.

Following Friday’s matchup, the Pride will finish out their home stand on Sunday against Old Dominion when they will honor eight seniors as part of senior night.

Senior attack Corrine Gandolfi runs past a University of Oregon defender. Gandolfi and the Pride fell to Stanford in double-overtime in Palo Alto, CA. (Sean M. Gates/ The Chronicle)