LATROBE, Pa. (Apr. 18) – The Saint Vincent College women's lacrosse team earned a decisive 19-2 Presidents' Athletic Conference victory over Hiram College Saturday afternoon at UPMC Field.
With the win, the Bearcats improved to 8-5 overall and 4-4 in PAC play, while Hiram fell to 1-11 overall and 1-6 in the conference. Saint Vincent took control early and never looked back, scoring eight times in the opening quarter and carrying a 14-1 lead into halftime. The game was halted with 5:31 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a referee safety concern.
Cara Dupilka opened the scoring at the 12:44 mark of the first quarter, and the Bearcats quickly built momentum from there.
Katie Smith,
Chloe Herring,
Melanie Seefeldt, Dupilka again, Herring twice more, and
Valeria Hurtado all found the back of the net in the opening frame as Saint Vincent jumped out to an 8-1 advantage after 15 minutes.
The Bearcats kept the pressure on in the second quarter, getting goals from Herring, Hurtado,
Louisa Zamborsky, Dupilka on a free-position chance, and Seefeldt twice to stretch the margin to 14-1 at the break. Saint Vincent added four more goals in the third on scores by Herring twice, Seefeldt, and
Penda Mbengue, before
Carolina Walters capped the afternoon's scoring with a fourth-quarter goal.
Herring led the Bearcats offensively with six goals, while Seefeldt totaled five points on four goals and an assist. Dupilka added four points on three goals and an assist, and Walters finished with a big all-around day, recording one goal and a game-high five assists. Hurtado chipped in three points on two goals and an assist.
Saint Vincent controlled play statistically from start to finish, outshooting Hiram 33-9 and holding a 20-7 edge in ground balls.
The Bearcats also won the draw-control battle 15-7, went a perfect 12-for-12 on clears, and converted both of their free-position opportunities.
Ava Baeslach led the defensive effort with four ground balls and three caused turnovers, while Walters and
Cassidy Rega each collected four ground balls.
In goal,
Cassidy Rega earned the win and made four saves in 54:29 of work as the Bearcats limited the Terriers to just five shots on goal.
Prior to the game, Saint Vincent honored their four seniors.
Chloe Herring,
Carolina Walters,
Melanie Seefeldt, and
Bethany Smith were all honored for the Bearcats.
Saint Vincent returns to action on Wednesday, April 22 with a home PAC matchup against Chatham in the regular season finale. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night at UPMC Field.
