Marist and Siena Advance to the 2019 MAAC Women’s Lacrosse Semifinals

4/27/2019 6:54:00 PM

Edison, NJ – No. 5 Marist College and No. 3 Siena College are advancing to the semifinals of the 2019 MAAC Women’s Lacrosse Championship after picking up wins in today’s first round games.

Marist started the day off with a thrilling 15-14 win over Manhattan College in Riverdale. The Red Foxes fell behind early, with the Jaspers taking a 6-1 lead after the first 12 minutes. Marist was able to cut the lead to 6-5 before Manhattan went on a run to finish the first half up 8-5. The second half began with four-straight Marist goals in under four minutes. Two more lead changes would occur before Molly Fitzpatrick of Manhattan was able to tie the game with 22 seconds on the clock. This wouldn’t be the end however, as Marist’s Samantha Mehalick found the back of the net with only seven seconds remaining, securing the win for the Red Foxes.

Mehalick scored 11 of Marist’s 15 goals, taking a total of 17 shots. Also finding the back of the net for Marist was Carly Grant (2), Audrey Cerrone (1), and Kelly George (1). Hailey Wagner and George added four helpers each for the Red Foxes. Marist will move on to play No. 1 Fairfield on Thursday, May 2 at 3:00 p.m.

Siena defeated Canisius College later on in the afternoon by a score of 16-12 at Hickey Field. The Griffs jumped out to a quick 2-1 advantage to open the game, but the Saints went on to score seven-straight over the next 13 minutes to take a commanding lead. The Saints would keep a six-goal lead going into the half up 11-5. Canisius was able to outscore Siena 7-5 in the second half, but Siena’s strong opening performance was enough to secure a 16-12 victory.

The Saints were led by Kerry Gerety and Annie Brennan, who found the back of the net six and four times respectively. Gerety added two helpers to cap an eight-point day, while Brennan’s lone helper boosted her to five points. Also scoring for the Saints was Julia Pelcher (3), Nicole McNeely (2), and Mary Soures (1). Goalkeeper Sammy Horton made five saves in rout to the Saints’ opening round win. Siena will move on to play No. 2 Monmouth University on Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m.

The final three games of the 2019 Women’s Lacrosse Championship will take place at Fairfield University, with semifinal games being played on May 2, and the championship game being played May 4. For more information on the 2019 Women’s Lacrosse Championship, visit maacsports.com/wlax. Championship tickets can be purchased at maacsports.com/tickets and will also be sold on-site during the championship.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 38^th year of competition during the 2018-19 academic year. Current Conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.