Women Lacrosse Holds Off AIC For 16-15 Win

by Daryl Jeannetti
edited by Joseph Landini

Tuesday Franklin Pierce Women’s Lacrosse was able to withstand a late barrage of goals by American International College to come away with a 16-15 victory on Pierce Pride night.

Jumping out to an early 10-4 first half lead the women’s lacrosse team was off to a great start highlighted by the play of the Stille sisters, Lauren and Mary Kate, who combined for four goals and an assist. The first half was also highlighted by goaltender Jillian Bolduc who was able to turn away several early scoring chances for the Yellow Jackets. American International struggled with penalties receiving two yellow cards in the first half and losing a starting midfielder in Jennifer Thomas, ten seconds into the second half.

Goalie Buldoc making a save and propelling Pierce to the win

When talking about the teams first half play junior Lauren Stille said, “Getting off to an early lead was something we talked about before the game, and it’s something we try to every game, today it just worked out a little bit better.” It’s a good thing the Ravens had that success, because they would need everyone goal in this one, as the Stille sisters were no the only pair of siblings on the field, the Szawlowski sisters, Ashleigh and Courtney, would lead the charge for the Yellow Jackets in the second half, scoring eight goals and seven assists.

The defense for the Ravens was under heavy duress throughout the whole second half, when asked about the increasing pressure junior Jillian Benn said, “they did there best to put as much pressure on us as possible throughout the game, they were just a little more successful in the second half and we were not able to execute our game plan as well as we did in the first half.” The icing on the cake for the Ravens was a late goal scored by junior Jordan Baillargeon, pushing the lead at the time to 16-13 Ravens.

Lauren Stille led the way for the Ravens in the first half

Pierce Pride was out in full force Tuesday setting a season high attendance record with a little over one hundred twenty people showing up, this surpassed the previous season high of one hundred and fourteen students. The Pierce Pride give away was a banner display the Pierce Pride logo, which could be seen waving in the air as time wound down in this victory.

With the victory Tuesday the Ravens have moved to 5-8 (3-6 NE-10) on the season and the Yellow Jackets will fall to 7-6 (2-6 NE-10). As the schedule winds down for the Ravens they will play at Assumption this upcoming Saturday and will close out the season at home on the 28^th against Merrimack.