BIDDEFORD, Maine – Plymouth State University erased a one-goal deficit with a dominant third-quarter performance to secure a 15-10 victory over the University of New England in a non-conference women's lacrosse matchup at Blue Bolt Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, highlighted by two goals from senior
Julia Donovan (Antrim, N.H.), before UNE responded with a five-goal surge spanning the first and second quarters to pull ahead, 5-4, with just over 12 minutes remaining in the half.
Plymouth State regained control with a 10-1 run over the next 27 minutes. The Panthers used four straight tallies, capped by a tally from sophomore
Sammy Murphy (Harrisville, R.I.) off a Donovan assist, to take an 8-5 lead into the break.
Plymouth State extended its lead in the third quarter, erupting for six goals from six different scorers to push the advantage to 14-6. Despite a late push by UNE, the Panthers held firm, sealing the victory with a final goal from senior
Jenna Stowell (Londonderry, N.H.) in the closing minutes.
The win keeps Plymouth State unbeaten in the early going (3-0), while the Nor'easters slip to 1-3.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 15, UNE 10
- Plymouth State (3-0)
- UNE (1-3)
How it Happened:
- Plymouth State came out strong, scoring four straight goals, including two from Donovan, to take a 4-0 lead. Freshman Claire Joyce (Braintree, Mass.) picked up a pair of assists in the surge, setting up Stowell and sophomore Greta Oberacker (East Falmouth, Mass.) as PSU built an early cushion.
- UNE responded with a 3-0 run in the final seven minutes of the first quarter to close the gap to 4-3.
- The Nor'easters took their first lead, 5-4, early in the second quarter, but PSU answered with four straight goals to close the half. Graduate student Elle Moshier (Stamford, Conn.) and Stowell sparked the run, while Donovan notched her third of the game, and Murphy's goal sent the Panthers into halftime up 8-5.
- Plymouth State dominated the third quarter, outscoring UNE 6-1. Moshier, Donovan, and Murphy each found the back of the net early, and after a UNE goal, Joyce, senior Maddie Hunt (Littleton, Mass.), and graduate student Megan Gaspa (Laconia, N.H.) capped the run, stretching the lead to 14-6 heading into the final frame.
- UNE attempted to rally with three straight goals to start the fourth, but Stowell's late strike ended the threat as PSU secured the win.
By the Numbers:
- Donovan led all scorers with four goals and two assists, while Stowell (three goals), Moshier (two goals), and Murphy (two goals) powered the PSU attack.
- Donovan moved into the top ten in program history for career goals.
- Joyce contributed one goal and two assists, while Gaspa stuffed the stat sheet with one goal, one assist, a team-high seven draw controls, three ground balls, and two caused turnovers.
- Stowell added four draw controls and four ground balls, while Joyce and junior Katie Moore (Salem, N.H.) each collected three ground balls.
- Joyce and Moore also matched Gaspa with two caused turnovers apiece.
- Senior goalkeeper Margie Black (Longmeadow, Mass.) made seven saves to earn the win and is one victory away from ranking third in program history.
- Plymouth State and UNE were nearly even in total shots (29-30), but the Panthers were more efficient, putting 22 shots on goal compared to UNE's 17.
- PSU controlled possession on the ground, holding a 20-14 advantage in ground balls, while UNE led in draw controls, 15-13.
- The Panthers excelled in transition, going 16-for-20 in clear attempts, including a perfect 7-for-7 in the second half.
- Plymouth State now leads the all-time series 7-1.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State visits Emmanuel College on Tuesday (Mar. 11) for a 7:00 p.m. contest.
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