Score: Elmira College 18, The Sage Colleges 9
Records: Elmira (1-8, 1-2 E8), Sage (2-5, 1-2 E8)
Location:  Albany College of Pharmacy Athletic Field – Albany, N.Y.

ALBANY, N.Y.  -- A season-high 18 goals spurred the Elmira College women's lacrosse team to victory on Saturday afternoon, as the Soaring Eagles dispatched The Sage Colleges by a final score of 18-9 in Empire 8 Conference action. The win marked the first victory for head Coach Rebecca Lampson in her first season at the helm of the Purple and Gold.

The Soaring Eagles never trailed against Sage, as their attack seized control of the game early. The Purple and Gold ended the tilt with a 33-17 advantage in shots on goal and earned 14 free position chances compared to just seven for the Gators.

Elmira's defensive unit also made its presence known, forcing the Gators into 32 turnovers. EC also held the edge in ground balls, 28-23, as the Purple and Gold maintained control over the flow of the game.

Kate Gibson '20 got the Soaring Eagles on the board just over a minute into the contest, as the junior buried EC's first free position opportunity of the afternoon. Jena Gatto '20 put Elmira ahead 2-0 just 1:30 later off of a feed from Stephanie Martin '22.

 Following a Sage goal from Brittany Gage, the Purple and Gold broke the contest open with a five unanswered goals. Mikayla Carfello '22 and Martin deposited two goals apiece while Gatto added her third of the season to give Elmira a 7-1 advantage. Rachel Goetz '20 got in on the scoring act with just over a minute left on the clock, as the  Purple and Gold took a 9-4 lead into the halftime break.

Martin and Carfello kept up their scoring antics to open the second half, as the duo pushed Elmira ahead by seven just two minutes into the stanza. Three second half goals from Goetz further ensured smooth sailing for the Purple and Gold from there, as EC cruised to the nine-goal victory.

In her own words…
Head Coach Rebecca Lampson on the team's strong offensive play against Sage…
"We really started to click offensively today. There was much more movement and we began to implement our plays. We were able to capitalize off of our draw control and fast break opportunities. Overall, the girls really came together today and  it was a solid team effort. They stayed composed and didn't let up for the entire 60 minutes.

Coach Lampson on picking up the team's first win…
"It feels great to have a W under our belts. I'm happy that the girls have this as proof of all the hard work they've put in thus far and as fuel for them to push further."

Coach Lampson on what today's victory mean's to the team moving forward…
"I'm hoping today gives the team confidence and renewed energy to bring into the second half of our season."
 
News and Notes

• Today's win marked the first victory for first-year head coach Rebecca Lampson
• Saturday's 18-goal barrage marked the highest goal total for the Soaring Eagles since they scored 18 in a win over New England College last season.
• Martin led Elmira with a career-high eight points (5g-3a).
• Martin went a perfect 4-for-4 on free position chances.
• Carfello's five goals were a career-best.
• Krystyna Lilland '21 made nine saves to earn her first-career victory in net.
• Goetz's five points (4g-1a) marked her first multi-point performance of the season.
• Gibson picked up a game-high five ground balls.
• Gatto recorded her first-career hat trick.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles are back home on Sunday, March 31, to host Cazenovia College in non-conference action. Opening draw is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Ernie Davis Academy.