By Kevin Carroll — STAFF WRITER

Defense was the key on the road for the Hofstra women’s lacrosse team this weekend, as the Pride slid into sole possession of first place in the CAA with a pair of close victories, beating Delaware 6-5 on Friday .

Brittain Altomare continued to be the driving force behind the Pride attack, notching two goals and two assists to lead the Pride. Altomare, recently named to the Tewaarton Award watch list, also had five draw controls.

April Iannetta also had two goals, and was the anchor for a Pride defense that turned in a solid performance after faltering early in the game.

Indeed, it was all Blue Hens for the first twelve minutes of the match, as Delaware rushed out to a 3-1 lead with 18:06 remaining in the first half. The Pride defense buckled down after that, and held the Blue Hen attackers scoreless for the remainder of the half.

Down the other end of the field, Iannetta and Altomare scored the next three goals, pulling the Pride ahead 4-3 heading into the half.

Delaware came out re-focused for the second half, pulling ahead 5-4 with 19:33 left to play. Just as before, however, the Pride defense toughened up, holding the Blue Hens scoreless for the rest of the game.

Just two minutes later, Tiana Parrella tied it up at 5, and Altomare followed a couple minutes later to put the Pride ahead for good, 6-5.

It would prove to be a game-winner for the senior attacker, as Delaware couldn’t put one past goalkeeper Kelsey Gregerson, and Hofstra left Delaware stadium with a 6-5 victory, as well as sole possession of first place in the CAA.