Women's Lacrosse: Chapdelaine buries game-winner in 17-16 win at Saint Joseph (Conn.)

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Lasell University women's lacrosse team overcame a four-goal deficit in the fourth quarter Thursday afternoon, as junior midfielder Emily Chapdelaine scored the game-winning, man-up goal with 1:49 left in regulation during a 17-16 triumph against Great Northeast Athletic Conference-foe Saint Joseph (Conn.).

The Lasers (2-2, 2-1 GNAC), who have won back-to-back games under first-year Head Coach Britney Wuorio, were led by Teresa Kessner (3 goals, 5 assists), Sophia Gadsden (6 goals, 1 assist) and Sydney Brady (5 goals). The six goals and seven points were career-highs for Gadsden, while the five goals were a season-best for Brady. Kessner set personal-bests with five assists and eight points, while tying a career-high three goals.

Senior goalie Devin Zambruno earned her second straight win, making a game-leading 15 saves. Courtney Sobolewski (2 goals) and Sam Jones (1 assist) played well in the victory.

"Our team still has a lot to work on," said Wuorio. "With the effort we saw from these ladies today, I have no doubt that we will get to where we need to be."

Makenzie Dinger led the way for Blue Jays (2-4, 0-2 GNAC) with game-highs of nine goals and 10 points, to go along with one assist. Also playing well for Saint Joseph were Cayleen DeFaranos (2 goals, 1 assist) and Jenna Banta (3 goals).

The Lasers were trailing, 15-11, with 13:17 remaining in the fourth quarter as a result of a goal by Dinger. During the final 12:05, Kessner tallied one goal and two assists, Gadsden posted two goals and one assist, Chapdelaine recorded one goal and one assist and Sobolewski scored twice.

Lasell scored the final three goals of the game. A man-up goal by Gadsden cut the deficit down to 16-15 with 4:31 remaining. Kessner evened the score with 2:52 on the clock, setting the stage for Chapdelaine's heroics.

Brady scored a hat trick in the first quarter for the visitors, but the Jays claimed a 7-4 lead at the end of one. Seven first-half goals by Dinger powered Saint Joseph to a 10-6 halftime advantage.

Kessner tallied two goals and one assist and Gadsden found the back of the net twice during the third quarter. A late goal by Gadsden cut the Jays' advantage to 14-11 heading into the final 15 minutes.

Gadsden corralled a game-high six ground balls and her two caused turnovers were tied for the most on the team with Kaitlin Bedell. Brady finished with team-highs of nine shots and nine shots on target. Gadsden put seven of her eight shots on net. Lasell led the ground-balls category, 32-24.

Saint Joseph led the shots' category, 36-29, led by game-highs of 16 shots and 14 on target by Dinger. Banta placed seven of her eight shots on net, while Tiajah Rose led all players with three caused turnovers.

The Lasers will compete against University of New England Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Biddeford, Maine.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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