Loretto, PA – Junior midfielder Janine Bright (Commack, NY/Commack) tallied four goals while sophomore attack Karen Vitkus (Skaneatles, NY/ Skaneateles) and junior midfielder Krista Malayter (Cromwell, CT/Cheshire) added three goals apiece to power the Wagner College women's lacrosse team to a 16-11 NEC win over Saint Francis (PA).

With the victory, the Seahawks equaled their win total from all of last season in improving to 3-7 overall, 2-1 in the NEC while the Red Flash fall to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in the conference.

Wagner found itself in an early 5-2 hole before getting untracked, scoring five of the next six goals to take a 7-6 lead at halftime. The Seahawks overcame the 5-2 deficit by uncorking four consecutive goals to seize a 6-5 lead on goals by Malayter and senior attack Kelly Blundin (Whitemarsh, PA/ Plymouth Whitemarsh), sandwiched around a pair of goals by Bright. After the Red Flash tied the game a 6-6 with 2:35 left in the half, freshman midfielder Lauren Petrik (Syracuse, NY/ Baldwinsville) gave the Seahawks the 7-6 lead at intermission with 28 seconds to go in the half off an assist by sophomore attack Dana Marchitelli (Annapolis, MD/ South River).

Saint Francis (PA) opened the second half with two goals to re-take the lead at 8-7. Bright then knotted the game at 8-8 off a Blundin assist with 21:31 to go before senior attack Jessica Richmond (Jenkintown, PA/ Jenkintown) gave Wagner the lead for good 47 seconds later on a free position shot. After the Red Flash came to within one goal at 10-9 with 15:46 left, the Seahawks went on a 6-2 game-ending run in fashioning the 16-11 victory.

Kate Simmons and Katie Jenkins netted three goals apiece for the Red Flash while Danielle Pokusa had nine saves in goal.

In addition to her game-high four goals, Bright scooped up four ground balls, had two draw controls and caused three turnovers for the Seahawks. Blundin, Petrik and Richmond finished with two goals apiece for Wagner, which held a 36-28 edge in shots, 15-14 lead in draw controls and a 20-18 advantage in ground balls. Junior goalkeeper Alex Johnston (Manlius, NY/ Fayetteville-Manlius) turned away 10 shots while senior goalkeeper Amy Jones (Jarretsville, MD/ North Harford) came on to record two saves in the final 2:03 of the game.

Wagner is next in action on Friday, April 3 when the Seahawks host Monmouth in a 4:00 pm start. This game will also mark Wagner Women's Lacrosse Alumni Appreciation Day as the current Seahawks welcome back the Seahawks of the past to Grymes Hill.

2009-03-29