Box Score
WASHINGTON, D.C. - An early 5-0 lead, coupled with an all-around impressive performance, gave the Manhattan women's lacrosse team a 17-8 victory over the Howard Bison on Sunday afternoon. The win snapped what was a two game losing skid for the Jaspers (2-5), completing a stretch of five games in 14 days.
The Manhattan offense went right to work from the start as freshman Megan Yarusso finished a feed from Domenica O'Brey for the first tally of the game. After gathering the pass, Yarusso made a dash for the net. Battling through pressure she was able to wrap her shot around the goalkeeper as she fell to the ground.
That began a string of five straight goals for the Jaspers as Claire Roediger pushed the advantage to 2-0 before Stefanie Ranagan rattled off two quick goals of her own, including a free-position goal, to go up 4-0. Another free-position goal would be scored by Kelsey Rehain giving Manhattan a 5-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the first half.
Howard (1-8) tried to make a comeback before heading into the locker room, scoring three quick goals to close within two at 5-3. But Clare Kerrisk would not allow the momentum to get away from her team, responding to once again double up the Bison. After another Rehain tally put the lead to four, Donna Jo DiNorcia scored the first of her team high four goals to give Manhattan the five goal lead back.
The Bison again looked to regain their composure before the break, but after they were able to net a goal to make it 8-4, Roediger buried her second of the half to put the Jaspers up 9-4 heading into the locker room.
In the second, Howard came out hot, scoring two of the first three goals to make it 10-6 in favor of the Jaspers. From there, Manhattan played a solid game of ball control and defense. DiNorcia led a season best effort of 15 draw controls by winning four of her own to keep possession with Manhattan throughout the game.
The Jaspers never looked back adding seven more goals, including a piece from DiNorcia and Ali Griffin to seal the decisive win. DiNorcia had a game best offensive performance with six total points, including four goals.
Manhattan's defense was just as impressive causing turnover after turnover, while pulling in 33 ground balls. Sophomore goalkeeper Christina Fiorinelli had a game best seven ground balls while also causing two turnovers and making 15 saves in the victory.
Following the longest road trip of the season, the Jaspers now return home for their longest home stand. Three straight games at Gaelic Park begin on Tue., March 19 at 4 p.m. when they host Central Connecticut State University.
