(05-02-09) WEST HAVEN, Conn. - The University of New Haven women's lacrosse team defeated Merrimack College 16-15 Saturday afternoon in a back-and-forth game at DellaCamera Stadium. With the win the Chargers improve to 15-3 on the season, while the Warriors conclude their season with an 8-8 record.
Updated Bracket
The top seeded Chargers will take on third seeded Southern New Hampshire on Sunday for the NE-10 Championship at 1 p.m. Southern New Hampshire upset second seed Stonehill 11-9 in the second semifinal Saturday.
The Warriors scored first in Saturday's game before UNH took the lead off back-to-back goals in the sixth and eighth minutes. Merrimack then scored three unanswered goals to take a 4-2 lead in the 14th minute. New Haven scored three and Merrimack scored two and held a surprising 6-5 lead at halftime.
The Warriors gave themselves a two point lead with a score in the second minute. The Chargers answered with their own 4-0 run during the next six minutes and took a 9-7 lead. Merrimack added one in the ninth minute, but the Chargers score two more in the 10th and 11th minutes to take an 11-8 lead with just under 20 minutes remaining in the half.
Kelly Pasquantonio fueled a Merrimack comeback with 19 minutes remaining. She scored the Warriors ninth goal and cut the Chargers lead to two (11-9). The Warriors continued to win draw controls over the next eight minutes and rattled off another six goals to take a 15-11 lead.
With their season in on the line, the Chargers answered with five more goals in the final seven and a half minutes, including two from sophomore Ashley Ferrandiz. UNH sealed the 16-15 victory, their second victory over the Warriors this season.
Ashley Ferrandiz led the Chargers' attack with five goals and two assists. She also grabbed a team-high three ground balls, two draw controls and two caused turnovers. Mallory Ferrandiz also tallied seven points with four scores and three assists. She grabbed a team-high eight draw controls.
Brianna Kenworthy added three goals, while Sarah Magnone scored two for the Chargers. Alexis Gabbe and Brigid Brady each ended with one goal.
The NE-10 Goalkeeper of the Year, Maureen Spellman earned the victory in the goal for the Chargers with nine saves.
Box Score
