VESTAL, N.Y. -- The Binghamton women's lacrosse team (0-7, 0-2 America East) dropped a 16-6 decision to Albany (5-4, 1-0 AE) in its home opener on Saturday at the East Gym Complex.

Albany senior Kate Fontana paced all players on the afternoon with five goals and three assists, while senior Sarah Spillett and freshman Christine Grueniger each added four apiece for the Great Danes. Fontana also added a game-high seven ground balls.

The trio combined for 10 of UA's 11 first-half goals to send the Great Danes into the break with a commanding 11-2 advantage. Albany controlled the tempo over the first 30 minutes, outshooting Binghamton 25-5, while limiting the Bearcats to just two shots on net.

Despite being outscored by a 5-4 margin, Binghamton played much stronger in the second half, as they held the advantage in both ground balls (14-12) and draw controls (8-2). Senior Danielle Edwards (Horseheads, N.Y.) had a pair of goals and junior Leanne Musso (Auburn, N.Y.) chipped in with a goal and an assist to lead Binghamton. Edwards now has a team-leading 12 goals on the season.

Sophomore Kara Slowik (Warners, N.Y.) led BU's defensive efforts with a team-high five ground alls. Sophomore C.J. Cuneo (East Northport, N.Y) and junior Sandra Alvarez (Port Washington, N.Y.) split time manning the crease for BU. Cuneo got the start and finished with 10 saves before yielding to Alvarez, who recorded three saves over the final 30 minutes of action.

Binghamton hosts Niagara on Wednesday at noon.

2007-04-01