In their season opening game against the University of Mount Olive Trojans, the Chargers lacrosse team won 16-7.

Attacker Lindsey Belmonte opened the game with an early goal assisted by midfielder Gianna Caprioli. The Trojans’ Alexa Fitzgerald fought back with two consecutive goals, the final scoring that Mount Olive would see during the first half. After two ground ball pick ups, attacker Caitlin Seleny found the back of the net from an assist by Belmonte. With only five seconds remaining in the first quarter, midfielder Katie Schenk struck the net and sent the Chargers into the second quarter with a 3-2 advantage.

Schenk received a draw control in the beginning of the second quarter and quickly got another shot past the Trojans’ goalkeeper, Lily Mahoney. Four other Chargers struck the back of the net including a goal from midfielder Summer Castiglione, Seleny and two goals from Caprioli. New Haven’s defense stood their ground alongside goalkeeper Madeline Sage and didn’t allow Mount Olive to score before entering halftime.

The Trojans started the second half with an early goal from Katie Broom assisted by Riliegh White. Less than a minute later, midfielder Helena Dunwoody got draw control and scored a goal off an assist from Seleny. After a turnover by Schenk, the Trojans took possession and Lena DeFilippo scored a free position shot. Neither team was able to advance the score and New Haven finished the third quarter with a 9-4 lead.

Seconds into the fourth quarter, Schenk scored a free position shot and secured her third goal of the game. Fitzgerald added another point for the Trojans just minutes later. New Haven bounced back with five consecutive goals from attacker Lucy Shafer, Seleny, Dunwoody and Caprioli. After a draw control, Mount Olive secured possession and Caroline Clark was able to get her shot past Sage and added another point for the Trojans. Both teams exchanged a turnover but Caprioli capitalized after gaining possession and scored her fourth goal of the match. With under 30 seconds left, Fitzgerald put up another point for Mount Olive as she secured the final goal of the game.

New Haven finished the game with 24 shots at goal while Mount Olive had 18. The Chargers dominated in draw controls as they took possession 21 times compared to the Trojans four. After 60 minutes of play, the Chargers had 24 turnovers and 11 saves.

After the win against the Trojans, the Chargers have an overall record of 1-0. New Haven will host the Mercy University Mavericks for their home season opener on Wednesday. Face-off is set for 4 p.m. at Kathy Zolad Stadium. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.