WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Simmons lacrosse (7-8, 5-4 GNAC) nearly completed a second-half, nine-point come-from-behind victory on the road against Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) foe the University of St. Joseph (Conn.) (9-4, 7-1 GNAC) on Saturday afternoon. But the Blue Jays were able to hang on for the 16-13 win.
Trailing 9-5 at the conclusion of the first half, the Blue Jays built upon their lead with five straight unanswered goals to extend their lead to 14-5. But the deficit did not phase the Sharks as they began to mount their comeback.
Midway through the third quarter, senior attacker Julia Chausse connected with sophomore Campbell Crane for the sixth Simmons goal. A minute later it felt like déjà vu as Chausse found Crane yet again as the Sharks pulled to within seven, 14-7, at the end of the third quarter.
Junior attacker Frida Turriza began the fourth and final period finding the back of the net on a free-position goal, but USJ answered with a goal of their own to go back in front by seven. However, Crane and junior Layla Drinkwater ignited a 4-0 run with back-to-back goals to pull the Sharks to with three goals of the Blue Jays all within the first five minutes of the quarter.
However, the scoring stopped for the next seven minutes as both squads defense managed to keep the other off the scoreboard. The Blue Jays broke up the scoring drought, scoring with four minutes left in game to go back ahead by four, 16-12, but the Sharks were not backing down. Turriza connected with junior Maddie Desimio-Maloney on a player-up advantage to pull within three points of the lead. But it was as close as they would get.
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS
- Sophomore Campbell Crane registered a career single-game high five goals and six points.
- Junior Frida Turriza also tallied six points, registering five goals and assist.
- Sophomore Leah Finn tied her career single-game best scooping up five ground balls, while junior Layla Drinkwater and Julia Chausse dished out two assists.
UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the field on Tuesday, April 16 when they host Anna Maria College at 7 p.m.