The women’s lacrosse team closed its season with an impressive 19-7 win over the Delaware State University Hornets, dictating pace, possession and execution from the opening draw.
New Haven established a dominant lead and outshot Delaware State 15-6 in the first quarter and built a 6-1 lead. Sophia Devaney opened the scoring off an assist from Caitlin Seleny, who functioned as the primary facilitator throughout the game. Less than 30 seconds later, Sophia Minnion converted a player up opportunity, signaling a mismatch Delaware State never corrected.
Minnion was the most efficient scorer on the field, finishing with five goals on six shots on goal, including a free position conversion. Her ability to find space inside the eight meter arc exposed structural weaknesses in Delaware State’s defense. Seleny drove the offensive system, recording seven assists and directly contributing to eight of New Haven’s 19 goals, while also forcing three turnovers.
The second quarter eliminated any remaining uncertainty. New Haven added eight goals, extending the lead to 14-3 at halftime. Helena Dunwoody and Summer Castiglione were central to that surge. Dunwoody produced three goals and one assist, while Castiglione controlled possession with five draw controls and added two goals. The Chargers executed efficiently in situational play, converting two of five free position attempts and scoring five player up goals overall.
The third quarter maintained the same pattern. Seleny continued to dictate the game’s tempo, assisting on goals by Ellie Wilson and Devaney, while also adding a goal of her own following a turnover. By the end of the quarter, New Haven extended its lead to 17-4, effectively removing any competitive tension from the final period.
Delaware State showed brief activity in the fourth quarter with three goals, including a second from Ceanna McGirt, but the outcome was never in question. Castiglione added a late player up goal, and Olivia Kaelin scored off another Seleny assist to finalize the Chargers’ total.
New Haven finished with 37 shots compared to Delaware State’s 22 and placed 25 shots on goal compared to just nine allowed. The Chargers also committed only five turnovers, half of Delaware State’s total, indicating disciplined possession and decision making. Clearing was flawless on both sides at 11 for 11, but New Haven’s ability to capitalize after clears created the separation.
New Haven closes its first Division I season at 5-9 overall and 4-5 in conference play, but more importantly, demonstrates measurable late season improvement. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
