Women’s Lacrosse Earns Comeback Victory in Season Opener

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJCL-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Senior Jessica Cordano collected three assists as the St. joseph's College (L.I.) women's lacrosse team erased a three-goal deficit in the second half to defeat the University of Rochester 7-6 at Danzi Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With the win the Golden Eagles open the season with a 1-0 record as the Yellowjackets fall to 0-1.

Rochester's Jamie Wallisch opened the scoring for the guests 5:29 into the first half, but SJC all-time leading scorer Heather Ferchland brought the teams back level with her first tally of the season less than three minutes later. After 12 minutes of scoreless action, sophomore Ally Johnston gave the Golden Eagles their first lead of the contest with 9:32 to play in the half.

Back-to-back goals by Rochester courtesy of Sarah Jahnige and Wallisch put the Yellowjackets back in front with 6:48 remaining in the frame, but Sophomore Jenna Kelleher's tally at 6:07 ensured the sides entered the half tied at three.

Rochester would dominate the first 15 minutes of the second period with three goals over a five-minute span with Madeline Levy (2) and Katherine Woo getting credit for the tallies. SJC would begin to mount its comeback with 14:13 to play in regulation when Ferchland scored her second goal of the game. Sophomore Kristin Carroll's goal at 13:28 maintained the hosts' momentum, and junior Tricia Barrett's tally with 10:20 remaining tied the game at six.

After back-and-forth action, Haber found Carroll in front of goal with 6:23 to play, and the midfielder deposited the eventual game-winner with her second mark of the afternoon.

Freshman keeper Lindsay Ramos made seven saves on 13 shots to pick up the victory in her SJC debut, and Rochester's Maire Prosak was credited with three stops on 10 shots.

Ferchland's five groundballs were a game-high and her two draw controls were a team-best. Cordano caused a game-best six turnovers.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Wednesday, March 9 when they travel to face FDU-Florham in a non-conference matchup at 4:00 PM. Live stats will be available here.