Women's Lacrosse Hosts Emmanuel in Conference Opener

AMHERST, Mass. - The Elms College Women's Lacrosse team hosted Emmanuel College for their conference and home opener on Saturday afternoon at the Bubble at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

BASICS
Score: Elms College 3 | Emmanuel College 19
Records: Blazers 0-2, 0-1 (GNAC) | Saints 2-1, 1-0 (GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Blazers began the game with junior goalkeeper Marisa LaRocque (Agawam, Mass.) in goal and quickly looked to create opportunities on offense. Elms earned an early free-position attempt before senior midfielder Jackie Cronin (Smithtown, N.Y.) recorded the team's first shot on goal, forcing a save. Defensively, first year attack Chloe Sullivan (Hampden, Mass.) sparked momentum for the Blazers by causing a turnover and collecting a ground ball to give Elms possession. First year midfielder Zellia Fanfa (Brunswick, N.Y.) later secured a draw control as the Blazers worked to establish possession in the midfield. LaRocque kept Elms in the game with several key saves throughout the quarter, turning away multiple shots and controlling the crease. Junior defender/attack Shea Barron (Wallingford, Conn.) added a ground ball pickup, helping the Blazers successfully clear the ball and transition to the offensive end. Late in the quarter, LaRocque continued to contribute by collecting a ground ball and initiating another clear attempt for Elms. LaRocque remained active in goal to start the second quarter, making another save early in the period and continuing to anchor the Blazers' defensive effort. She added several more saves as Elms worked to slow the opposing attack and regain possession. The Blazers generated a few offensive opportunities midway through the quarter. Sophomore defender/midfielder Ava Maffuccio (Pittsfield, Mass.) forced a turnover and picked up the ground ball, leading to a successful Elms clear. Cronin created two scoring chances, including a free-position shot, as Elms attempted to break through offensively. Senior attack Katherine Ingram (Chicopee, Mass.) also contributed defensively with a ground ball pickup, helping the Blazers complete another clear and push the ball upfield. LaRocque finished the half with additional saves to keep Elms battling heading into the break.

Elms continued to fight for possession in the third quarter, with Cronin collecting a ground ball to help spark the Blazers' transition game. The offensive breakthrough soon followed as Cronin found the back of the net to put Elms on the board. After a timeout, the Blazers gained possession again when Sullivan secured the draw control. Elms capitalized on the opportunity as Cronin scored her second goal, giving the Blazers back-to-back scores. LaRocque remained involved defensively, collecting a ground ball and helping the Blazers complete a clear. Cronin continued to impact play across the field by forcing a turnover and scooping up another ground ball late in the quarter. The Blazers opened the final quarter with strong defensive pressure. Sophomore attack Lily Sheridan (Ashby, Mass.) caused a turnover and collected a ground ball before helping Elms complete a clear. Sullivan added another ground ball pickup shortly after to maintain possession. Elms later generated another scoring opportunity, which resulted in a goal by Barron off an assist from Cronin, marking the Blazers' third goal of the game. Cronin continued to make plays on the defensive end by forcing another turnover and collecting a ground ball. Sophomore midfielder Viktoria Olsen (Enfield, Conn.) also contributed late with a ground ball pickup as the Blazers battled for possession through the final moments. The Blazers put up a strong fight, but Emmanuel would take home the win 19-3.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• LaRocque would make nine saves of the 28 shots she faced, with two ground balls and a caused turnover.

• Cronin would score two goals, with five shots, three ground balls, three caused turnovers, and an assist.

• Sullivan would make two ground balls and cause a turnover.

• Fanfa would earn two draw controls and a caused turnover.

• Maffuccio, Olson, and Sheridan would each add a ground ball and cause a turnover.

• Ingram would make a ground ball.

UP NEXT: The Elms College Women's Lacrosse team will travel to Henniker, N.H. for a conference game against New England College on Wednesday, March 11th at 4 pm.

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