No. 1 Women’s Lacrosse Stays in the Driver’s Seat

It only took 20 seconds for the Pioneers to strike, as senior attackers Jackie Sileo and Morgan Chiarenzza hooked up for the games opening tally. The quick strike set the game’s tone, as the Pioneers (8-0) steamrolled Queens (0-4) in a 16-2 victory at Knights Field on Saturday, March 22, in Flushing, N.Y. The victory improved the Pioneers overall record to 8-0 on the season and 2-0 in

the ECC.The Pioneers took charge, as senior attacker Jackie Sileo registered the game-high with seven points (3 G, 4 A). Sileo also made her presence felt defensively, as she caused two turnovers and picked up two ground balls. Sileo’s outstanding play has given her 61 points for the season, and she›s only 20 points shy of becoming the NCAA›s (I, II, III) all-time leading scorer.

After leading 12-0 at the intermission, the green and gold continued to shine as freshman defender Nicole Stackpole marked her first collegiate goal and added another goal minutes later. Senior attacker Katie Rotan pitched in with three points and won two of her three draw controls. Freshman attacker Stefani Vagelatos added four points (2 G, 2 A). In the cage, senior goalkeepers Katie Hanaan and Renee Schwartz, along with sophomore Kasey Kephart, recorded one save apiece for the Pioneers. Queens’ goalkeeper Kahli Evans ended up with 16 saves. The Pioneers had an overwhelming advantage in shots (35-6), and held the edge in ground balls (17-9) and draw controls (15-4). In addition, the visitors converted all 13 of their clears.

The Pioneers traveled to Worcester, Mass. on Thursday, March 27, where they soared past Assumption with a 15-5 victory. Assumption (5-3) opened up the game with a free position goal around the 4:00 mark, but the Pioneers (9-0) responded immediately and went on a 9-1 run to close out the first half. Junior midfielder Jenna Pierro registered two goals for the Pioneers and complet- ed her hat-trick later in the game. Senior attackers Samantha Losco and Jackie Sileo each recorded a hat-trick of their own, capping off another outstanding performance as the Pioneers shut out the Greyhounds in the second half to improve 9-0 on the season.

Sileo continued to dish out her teammates with five assists, while senior Morgan Chiarenzza chimed in with two goals and two assists on the day.

On the defensive side, sophomore Emily Hanifan paved the way with three caused turnovers. Senior goalie Katie Hannan tallied up three saves in the pen for the Pioneers. Her counterparts, Jaclyn Chirco and Michelle Monahan, tallied up nine saves combined for the Greyhounds.

ECC goalie of the week Katie Hannan mentioned that communication with her defense is key. They talk after every goal, own up to their mistakes, and look to get the ball to the other end of the field. Hannan also commented that her and her teammates emphasize taking the season day by day, which has worked in their advantage thus far. As Hannan was named ECC goalie of the week, she›s eager to keep improving and working hard as the season progresses. “We need to keep our energy, focus, and strong work ethics while having fun,» Hannan said.

The Pioneers dominated in shots (27-9) and forced 24 turnovers. They held the edge in ground balls (28-18) and draw controls (13-9). Once again, the Pioneers were very efficient on clears, going (16-20).