Box Score

Buffalo, NY – The Elmira College Women's Lacrosse team held early leads on the scoreboard but host Buffalo State proved to be too tough as EC fell, 16-5, in its season opener Tuesday afternoon at Coyer Field. The loss drops the Soaring Eagles to 0-1, while the Bengals improve to 2-0.

Elmira held early advantages of 3-1 and 4-3 but a span of 13 consecutive Buffalo State scores carried the Bengals to victory. EC got on the board first just 19 seconds in when Moorea Spoljaric '16 scored her first collegiate goal on an unassisted marker. After a Marissa Mongillo '15 score and a Marki Michaels '13 man-up goal off a free position shot Elmira led 3-1.

The Bengals finished two goals to tie the score at 3-3, but Spolijaric responded with her second goal in the opening 15 minutes to regain the Soaring Eagle lead at 4-3 midway through the opening half. However, this would be Elmira's final score until Rory Donahue '14 found the back of the net with just more than nine minutes remaining in the contest.

Buffalo State caught fire scoring seven straight times to take an 11-4 lead at intermission. The Bengals rolled off six consecutive scores after the halftime break. Ashley Caporizzo, Becca Martinez, Jenn Shaddock and Sarah Kirchberger combined to score 11 of Buffalo State's 13 consecutive scores.

LeAnna Presler '13 played all 60 minutes in net for Elmira making five saves. Colleen George and Adelena DiDuro split time in net for the Bengals with DiDuro stopping six shots.

Mongillo led Elmira with five ground balls, while earning a draw control and forcing a turnover. Spoljaric was impressive in her debut finishing with three shots, two of which found the back of the net. She also picked up four ground balls, a draw control and caused three turnovers. Laura Bartus '13 was effective defensively finishing with four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Bridget Keefe '14 tallied a team-best three draw control wins and added an assist.  

The Bengals held advantages in shots on goal (21-11), ground balls (27-20) and draw controls (15-8). Elmira (29) and Buffalo State (28) were nearly even in turnovers. The Soaring Eagles went 10-for-14 in clear attempts, while the Bengals were 11-for-12.  

The Women's Lacrosse team returns to action Saturday at 1:00 p.m. when it hosts Morrisville State in its home-opener at Elmira Free Academy. Stay up to date with the latest news directly from the Elmira College Athletics department by “liking” us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCollegeAthletics) and “following” our Twitter account (http://twitter.com/ECSoaringEagles).