BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In a thrilling game on Saturday, the Loyola Greyhounds took down the Lehigh Mountain Hawks with a score of 21-11 in their Patriot League opener. Nina DeNicola stood out, scoring a personal best of five goals.
“Today was a tough loss, but I am proud of how the team stayed united,” said Lehigh’s head coach, Steph Lazo. “We had some great moments, and with more focus, we can improve. Nina was a game changer for us, and Jane made some big stops in goal.”
Loyola got off to a quick start, scoring just 47 seconds into the match. Lehigh’s Kacie Wines quickly tied the game at 11:05. Mim Suares-Jury of Loyola then pulled ahead with back-to-back goals, and soon after, Emma Talago scored, giving Loyola a 4-1 lead.
The Mountain Hawks fought back with Grace Martel scoring to reduce the deficit to 4-2, followed by Shannon Nolan bringing them closer at 4-3. However, Loyola ended the first quarter strong, leading 8-3.
In the second quarter, DeNicola scored her first goal. Although Loyola stretched their lead with a three-goal run, she responded again. At halftime, the score stood at 14-6.
Loyola continued to dominate, with Elisa Faklaris scoring early in the second half. The teams exchanged goals, but Loyola ended the third quarter with an 18-8 lead. In the final quarter, DeNicola scored again, capping off a strong run for Lehigh before Loyola sealed the victory.
Kacie Wines contributed significantly for Lehigh, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The Greyhounds’ dominance was also evident in the draw controls, where they led 27-7.
Lehigh’s next challenge is against Iona, where they hope to turn their season around.
In recent years, women’s lacrosse has gained traction in collegiate sports, attracting more fans and improving athlete recognition. According to a report, participation in women’s lacrosse has increased by 10% since 2018. Engaging stories about athletes, like DeNicola’s, contribute to this growing interest, showcasing the determination and skill present in the sport.
For more on women’s lacrosse growth and insights, check out reports from the NCAA.
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