Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Niagara women's lacrosse team hung tough, but dropped a non-conference game to St. Joseph's by a 13-5 score on Sunday afternoon at Finnesey Field.

"Our defensive effort today was much improved, and we put together more moments of consistently good play," head coach Wendy Stone said.  "Overall we made some strides forward today, but need to continue to work on our stickwork and ability to possess the ball. We will work to be better next time out."

In the opening five minutes of play, SJU (1-0-0) and Niagara (0-2-0) traded goals, with Kayla Smith tallying the first Purple Eagle goal.  A goal from Bianca Angstadt would spur a 4-0 run for St. Joseph's to put the Purps down 5-1 at the 17 minute mark of the opening half.  

Kristen Winter, Paige Matecki and Carrie-Jo Farrugia  would find the back of the net before the half wrapped up, but a goal from Val Paolucci would give the Red Hawks a 6-4 lead heading into intermission.  

The Red Hawks started the second half on a 3-0 run off tallies from Paolucci, Michelle Granger and Meghan McDevitt.  Fran Pollastro added the lone goal for the Purple Eagles in the second stanza, while St. Joseph's responded with four straight scores to pull away with the game.  

Brittany Delano led the team with four ground balls picked up, while Farrugia and Maria Battista were tied for the team lead in shots (3).  NU goaltender Paige Sasser wrapped up the game with five saves.  

The Purple Eagles have a week off before wrapping up the three-game road trip on Feb. 27 when Niagara takes to the field against Albany at 2 p.m.