NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Shannon Pagano's (Oswego, N.Y./Oswego) five goals led Gannon to a 17-9 road victory at Division I Niagara Tuesday evening in women's lacrosse action. The victory was the second in as many matches this season against Division I opponents. The Lady Knights defeated Canisius 16-8 on March 14.

Gannon jumped on the Purple Eagles early and often, scoring seven of the first eight goals. Krista Schunk (Honeoye Falls, N.Y./Honeoye Falls-Lima) needed only 40 seconds to put the Lady Knights on the board.

Following a Niagara goal, Gannon rolled off seven consecutive goals for an 8-1 lead. Five different Lady Knights scored during the 7-0 run. Melissa Hill (Rochester, N.Y./Brighton) scored twice during the streak.

Niagara played with Gannon for the remainder of the half, but the Lady Knights went to the break with a 9-5 advantage.

Two teams split the first four goals of the second half before Gannon put the match away with a 5-0 run midway through the second half. The decisive run was orchestrated by Pagano, who scored four of the five goals during the run.

Joanna Culkin (Clifton Park, N.Y./Saratoga Springs) led all scorers with seven points, scoring once and dishing out six assists. Pagano recorded five goals and one assist. Schunk, Hill, and Taryn Millerd (Shortsville, N.Y./Midlakes) added three goals each.

Acacia Cook (Clay, N.Y./Clay-NS) and Ashley Dodge (Clifton Springs, N.Y./Midlakes) each played one half in goal. Cook was credited with no saves while Dodge turned away seven shots during the final 30 minutes.

Gannon, ranked sixth in NCAA Division II, improved to 11-4. Niagara dropped to 1-11. The Lady Knights conclude the regular season Saturday, April 28 at rival Mercyhurst. The match is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

2007-04-24