Stoppelli Becomes All-Time Assists Leader in SJC's Season-Opening Win

Patchogue, NY| Senior Nicole Stoppelli of the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's lacrosse team became the all-time assists leader in a 13-11 season-opening win over Hartwick College at Danzi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles begin the season at 1-0 as the Hawks move to 1-1 overall.

Stoppelli finished the day with a game-best eight points on four goals and four assists. The midfielder dished her 94th career assist, surpassing Jessica Cordano who set the record in 2016, to junior Diana Johnston with just under 12 minutes left in the game.

SJC got off to an early lead when three different Golden Eagles found the back of the net in the first seven minutes of play. Hartwick's Hailey Pooler put the visitors on the board at the 23:22 mark. After Johnston converted a free position shot, the Hawk's scored twice to get within one, 4-3, with just over eight minutes left in the half. Sophomore Tori Staker found Stoppelli for her second goal of the day, but Hartwick went back-to-back to knot the score at five. The Golden Eagles ended the half with goals from Stoppelli and Johnston to go into the break ahead 7-5.

The Golden Eagles picked up where the left off in the second half extending the lead to 9-5 in the first two minutes of the frame. Both sides continued to attack and St. Joseph's built a 13-8 lead with just about five minutes to play. The visitors would not go quietly as the went on to score three goals in the closing minutes, but senior goalkeeper Lindsay Ramos and the SJC defense held on for the 13-11 non-conference win.

Johnston led all players with a game-high six goals. Staker recorded a goal and two assists while collecting five ground balls and 13 draw controls.

Hartwick was led by Pooler with three goals and three assists. Jennifer Darasz recorded two goals and two assists with GinaMarie Wilson pitching in with two goals.

Ramos ended her day with 11 saves with her counterpart Jennifer Paszko finishing with 10.

The Golden Eagles return to Danzi Stadium when they host FDU-Florham on Wednesday, March 6. Game time is set for 5:00 pm.