WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — A career day from
Julia Fusco helped Stony Brook women's lacrosse cruise past Monmouth 18-8, in its CAA opener on Sunday in New Jersey.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Seawolves drew first blood early in the opening quarter, as
Haydin Eisfeld found a cutting Fusco who went top shelf for the game's first goal. A few minutes later, the Hawks had an opportunity to tie the game after going a player up, but could not convert on their chance, being stifled by the Stony Brook defense. The Seawolf lead would double shortly after, converting on a player-up advantage to go ahead 2-0 with 4:05 remaining in the first quarter. Monmouth notched the final goal of the opening quarter with a player-up score in the closing minutes.
The Hawks tried to even things up in the opening moments of the second quarter, but were turned away as
Hailey Huebner jumped a pass for a turnover. Stony Brook converted on the caused turnover with another player-up goal this time from
Mirabella Altebrando, making it 3-1 Seawolves early in the second quarter. Following the opening goal, Stony Brook continued to push its advantage, tallying two quick free-position goals to go up four. The second quarter momentum would continue for the Seawolves, seeing
Olivia Schorr scoop up a ground ball and race down the field to fire in a goal, giving Stony Brook a five-goal cushion. Continuing to fire on all cylinders, the Seawolves rattled off three goals in less than two minutes, allowing them to take a 9-2 lead into the locker room.
Stony Brook picked up right where it left off in the second half, scoring a free-position goal in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Monmouth scored the next three goals of the quarter, reducing the Seawolf lead to 10-5. Momentum was regained by Stony Brook in the final minutes of the quarter, as Eisfeld fired in two goals less than a minute apart, giving the Seawolves a seven-goal lead into the final quarter.
The Hawks did go down without a fight, scoring two out of the first three goals in the fourth quarter. Each side then scored one a piece over the next few minutes, as Stony Brook led 14-8 with 5:35 remaining. The Seawolves slammed the door for good, scoring the next four goals to secure the 18-8 win in West Long Branch.
STATS AND NOTES
- Fusco led the Stony Brook attack with a career-high five goals. She also dished out two assists, giving her seven points on the day, while also scooping up five ground balls, a new career-best in both categories.
- Eisfeld tallied five points, three assists, and two goals.
- Keira Martin, Katie Walsh, Schorr, Zoe Stonecipher, and Isabella Caporuscio all scored two goals in the win.
- Mirabella Altebrando rounded the Seawolf scorers with a goal, while also dishing out an assist.
- Huebner continued her impressive play, causing another three turnovers today, and picking up four ground balls
- Stony Brook outshot Monmouth by a margin of 39-to-16 today.
- The Seawolves caused 13 turnovers and forced 11 failed clears.
- Stony Brook won the battle in the draw circle 21-8.
- Today's victory improves the Seawolves all-time record to 8-0 against Monmouth.
UP NEXT
Stony Brook stays on the road for a matchup against Villanova on Tuesday. Action is set to begin at 2 pm from Philadelphia and will stream live on ESPN+.
For an inside look at the Seawolves women's lacrosse program, be sure to follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.
