New Haven lacrosse secured their first Division I win at home against the Sacred Heart University (SHU) Pioneers, 10-7. It was also head coach Kathelene Kim Green’s first win for UNH.
The Chargers put up the first goal off the stick of sophomore Sophia Minnion, assisted by senior Summer Castiglione. SHU answered with a goal of their own, but the tie was quickly broken by UNH sophomore Sophia Devaney, assisted by Caitlin Seleny. The Pioneers scored two more goals before Chargers’ freshman Taryn Murphy tied the game at three. Sacred Heart came out on top with one more goal in the first quarter, leading 4-3.
New Haven took back control in the second quarter and put up three goals, unanswered by Sacred Heart. Castiglione scored the first goal of the quarter, followed by Minnion with her second goal of the match. Junior Helena Dunwoody put up the third goal, leaving New Haven with a 6-4 lead at halftime.
After half, the Chargers stayed on the gas and put up two more goals to extend the lead, while the Pioneers couldn’t find the back of the net. Minnion put up her third goal of the night, assisted by Castiglione, who followed with a second goal of her own. Sacred Heart attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, adding three goals to the scoreboard. The Chargers did not let up and scored two more goals to finalize the win for New Haven.
Castiglione led the Chargers with three goals and two assists, along with Minnion who also had three goals. Seleny contributed one goal and two assists, while Devaney and Dunwoody each added one goal. Goalkeeper Ainsley Bourbeau had eight saves in three quarters, while backup goalkeeper Caroline D’Angelou had one save in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the Chargers are 1-0 on the season. They will take the field again on Friday in Spartanburg, S.C. to face the Wofford College Boston Terriers. Draw is at 4 p.m. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
