Women’s Lacrosse Rolls Past Lasell, 17-8

NASHUA, N.H. — Behind a double hat trick from sophomore Sofia Cebrero, the Rivier women's lacrosse team defeated Lasell 17-8 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Saturday morning at Joanne Merrill Field.

With the victory, the Raiders improved to 3-3 (2-1 GNAC), while the Lasers fell to 4-2 (1-2 GNAC).

Lasell opened the scoring with a man-up free-position goal at the 11:18 mark of the first quarter. Rivier responded quickly, as first-year Ashlynn Ledoux found the back of the net to draw the game level. Junior Bailey Carroll added another goal a minute later, and Cebrero struck twice in quick succession to give the Raiders a 4-1 lead with 1:26 remaining in the opening frame. The Lasers halted Rivier's run with another free-position goal, but senior Cassie Hemmerdinger scored with just five seconds left in the quarter, extending the Raiders' lead to 5-2.

Cebrero completed her hat trick early in the second quarter, pushing Rivier's advantage to 6-2 and senior Sarah Lachance joined the scoresheet less than two minutes later, making it 7-2. Lasell battled back with two goals in two minutes, but Lachance struck again before halftime to give the Raiders an 8-4 lead at the break.

The Lasers opened the second half with a quick goal, but Ledoux answered to restore the four-goal cushion at the 10:15 mark. Lachance completed her hat trick just 33 seconds later, extending Rivier's lead to 10-5. After Lasell tallied another goal, the Raiders closed the quarter on a 3-0 run with goals from Cebrero, Lachance, and first-year Keegan McGaheran, who recorded her first collegiate goal.

Cebrero continued her scoring ways in the final quarter, scoring her fifth goal off a feed from sophomore Shaelyn Burke, who earned her first collegiate point on the play. Cebrero added her sixth goal with 8:44 remaining, followed by Ledoux securing her hat trick. First-year Brooke Carter capped the scoring, sealing Rivier's 17-8 victory.

Lachance led the team with a game-high 10 points, scoring four goals and dishing out six assists while also collecting seven draw controls and three ground balls. Cebrero finished with six goals and two caused turnovers, while Ledoux contributed three goals and an assist. Hemmerdinger filled the stat sheet with four points, 10 draw controls, seven ground balls, and four caused turnovers. Carroll added three points and two ground balls.

Senior goaltender Rachel Hinkley recorded six saves in the contest.

The Raiders outshot the Lasers 34-21 and held advantages in draw controls (19-8) and ground balls (27-22). Rivier converted on 17-of-23 clears (73.9%) while holding Lasell to 14-of-23 (60.8%).

The Raiders return to GNAC action on Wednesday, March 26 in a road matchup against Albertus Magnus at Celentano Field. The opening draw is slated for 4:00 p.m.