Women's Lacrosse: Teresa Kessner's career night powers Lasers to 15-5 win over Rivier

NEWTON, Mass. - Sophomore attack Teresa Kessner of the Lasell University women's lacrosse team compiled a career-high six goals and tied a personal-best eight points, to go along with two assists, during a 15-5 GNAC victory over Rivier Thursday afternoon on Grellier Field.

"We worked together today, especially our offense" said Kessner. "What we have been doing in practice showed on the field and it is exciting seeing things click when it comes to game time. It was huge to get 10 assists on 15 goals. We hope to keep this momentum as we finish up the season."

Kaitlin Bedell was tremendous on the defensive end, recording career-highs of seven caused turnovers and nine ground balls. The totals rank tied for fourth and sixth, respectively, in the program's record book. Serena Speight tallied her first collegiate goal and assist in the victory. The Lasers (5-8, 4-6 GNAC) also received noteworthy performances from Sydney Brady (4 goals, 1 assist), Sophia Gadsden (2 goals, 2 assists) and Emily Chapdelaine (3 assists). Senior goalie Devin Zambruno earned her fifth win of the season, making a game-high 10 saves. 

"We played for each other today and came up with a lot of defensive stops," said Brady. "Things are clicking on attack as well. Overall, I am proud of this team for continuing to work through adversity."

Leading the way for the Raiders (3-10, 2-9 GNAC) were Caitlin Newell (2 goals, 1 assist), Sarah Lachance (3 assists) and Rachel Hinkley (2 goals).

Kessner scored a hat trick and Chapdelaine tallied three assists during the opening 16:11 of action, as the Lasers built a 6-1 advantage on a tally by Brady with 13:49 remaining in the second quarter. Lasell scored the final three goals of the first half. A tally by Courtney Sobolewski with 1:37 on the scoreboard sent the hosts into intermission with a 9-2 advantage.

Lasell refused to allow Rivier to gain any momentum in the second half, holding a 6-3 advantage on the scoreboard during the final 30 minutes. A goal by Bedell put Lasell in front, 15-4, with 6:25 left in the fourth quarter.

Lasell led the shots' category, 31-24, and held a 30-29 advantage in ground balls. The hosts went 2 for 3 on free-position shots. Kessner led all players in total shots (9) and shots on goal (8), while Brady put six of her seven shots on net.

The Lasers will compete against against GNAC-rival Elms Saturday at 11 a.m. in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

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

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