WLAX Secures First GNAC Appearance Win Over Raiders
CHICOPEE, MA – The Elms College women's lacrosse team secured their home opener and first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) appearance against Rivier University yesterday late afternoon, resulting in a 14-3 win.
THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elms 14, Rivier 3
RECORDS: Elms (2-0, 1-0 GNAC), Rivier (1-2, 0-1 GNAC)
Elms sophomore, Elise Paier opened the contest notching her second hatrick in two games for the Blazers. Senior, Elese Ciarcia joined Paier, netting 3 goals herself within the by the end of the second quarter. Senior captain, Emma Walsh stood tall in cage for the first half, posting 5 saves before sophomore, Gianna Liquori stepped in and relieved her posting 7 saves.
Opening up the third quarter, junior Anna-Elise Pikul tallied her third goal assisted by senior, Arianna Callahan, joining the hatrick squad. First-year, Greta Frankwicz finished on her second. First-year, Lauren Fletcher hopped in on the action for her first goal of the game off an assist from first-year midfielder, Shannen Salamon.
The Blazers outshot the Raiders 34-24 and went 13 to the Raiders 8 ground balls as well.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Senior, Elese Ciarcia led the day with 3 goals and 2 assists
- Sophomore, Elise Paier joined Ciarcia with 3 goals and 1 assist
- Junior, Anna-Elise Pikul joined the squad as well with 3 goals and 7 draw controls
- Junior captain, Taylor Borla hopped on the board with 2 goals, 3 assists and 6 draw controls
- First-year, Greta Frankwicz notched 2 goals
- First-year, Lauren Fletcher tabbed 1 goal
- First-year, Shannen Salamon had 1 assist
- Senior captain, Emma Walsh posted up 5 saves on 12 shots, and sophomore Gianna Liquori posted up 7 saves on 12 shots
FROM THE DESK OF COACH Q:
"I was very pleased with our overall team performance yesterday. From the draw, to the shot placement, to the transition and especially our defense. We certainly held our own, and it was exciting to finally get a small taste of what our fall and winter sports have been up against during their first GNAC seasons. We have a long journey ahead of us as we continue the rest of season play against only conference teams, but we're ready. All eyes on Wednesday as we hit the road to Dean College."
UP NEXT:
The Blazers are back in action on the road to GNAC opponent Dean College this Wednesday, 3/16 for a 4:30PM start.
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