HEMPSTEAD, New York * Sophomore midfielder Corrine Gandolfi scored a game-high four goals, but a late Hofstra rally fell short as the Pride dropped a 9-6 decision to Rutgers in a driving rain storm at James M. Shuart Stadium on Wednesday evening. Freshman defender Katie Hertsch had a strong contest for the Pride as well, as she tallied game-highs of five ground balls and four caused turnovers in helping the Pride hold its fourth opponent this season under 10 goals.

The loss drops Hofstra's record to 3-4 this season, while Rutgers improved to 3-4 with its third straight victory.

After falling behind 3-1 at the 6:35 mark following a goal from Meghan Flanagan, Hofstra was able to even the score at three courtesy of a pair of goals from Gandolfi. In fact, Gandolfi would account for all three of the Pride's first half goals, including her first tally of the game at the 21:13 mark off an assist from sophomore midfielder K'Leigh Vanaman. Rutgers would take a one-goal advantage into halftime as Mallory Tornetta corralled a loose ball in front of the cage and deposited it past Hofstra senior goalie Maisie Osteen with just six seconds remaining in the opening stanza.

The Scarlet Knights looked to take a commanding five goal lead as they scored the first four goals of the second half and led 8-3 after Nina Frankoski's second goal of the contest with 20:17 to play. Hofstra had a run left in them, though, as sophomore attack Ashley Jones, Gandolfi and freshman midfielder Stephanie Rice each scored in succession to cut the deficit to two, 8-6, with just under seven minutes remaining in regulation.

That would be as close as the Pride would get, though, as Rutgers goalie Sandra Abel made five of her nine saves in the final 30 minutes and Michelle Poole added an insurance goal in the final minute to account for the 9-6 final score.

Hofstra split the goaltending in the game as Osteen made four saves and added four ground balls, while sophomore Mary Cuddihy made one stop in her 20:17 minutes of action.

Gandolfi and senior defender Kerrin Fraser each added three ground balls in the game and Fraser also chipped in with a trio of caused turnovers.

Mary Cryan tied Frankoski for team-high honors with two goals, with Tornetta posting a team-best three points on a goal and two assists. Emily Penn picked up five ground balls for the Scarlet Knights, while Cryan and Penn led Rutgers with two caused turnovers.

Hofstra returns to action on Tuesday, March 25 when they host nationally-ranked Notre Dame at 4 p.m.

Box Score

* * * *

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (March 19, 2008) – The Rutgers women's lacrosse team won its third consecutive game as it held on to defeat Hofstra 9-6 Wednesday evening in Hempstead, N.Y. The Scarlet Knights (3-4) received two goals apiece from Nina Frankoski (Maplewood, N.J.) and Mary Cryan (Newtown Square, Pa.). Hofstra (3-4) was led by Corrine Gandolfi, who finished with four goals.

Rutgers jumped ahead early, scoring the first goal in the 27th minute when Mallory Tornetta (Frazer, Pa.), from behind the net, found a cutting Cryan for her 10th goal of the season. After Hofstra tied the game, Rutgers scored two more to take a 3-1 lead. First Marley Welsh (Jarretsville, Md.) tallied her first assist of the season, passing to a cutting Frankoski, who found the back of the net for her seventh goal of the year. Then Meghan Flanagan (Medford, N.J.) scored on a free position shot in the seventh minute to give RU a two-goal advantage.

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2008-03-20