Monks Surge Past NEC, Improve to 4-0 in Conference Play

STANDISH, ME-Saint Joseph's worked their way to a 16-5 victory over New England College in women's lacrosse. With the victory, the Monks improved to 6-3 overall and stayed perfect in conference play at 4-0, while the Pilgrims dropped to 5-5 overall, and 3-1 in conference play on the season. 

The Monks got off to a good start opening the first quarter with a 5-1 lead. Celia Melanson (Waterford, Maine) was on fire as she had two goals and one assist in the opening frame. Taylor Dumond matched Melanson's pace with two goals in the opening quarter, while Ella Highbarger (Kennebunk, Maine) brought the total to five. In the second quarter, the game was much closer as the quarter ended with the Pilgrims matching the Monks' four goals. 

In the second half, the Monks shut the Pilgrims down, allowing no goals in the half. The freshman dynamic duo of Ella Highbarger and Ava Molineaux (Rowley, Mass) combined for 10 caused turnovers, 5 ground balls, and 9 draw controls to help pace the Monks defense. Goalie Morgan Wright (Chelmsford, MA) also impressed for the monks as she had 6 saves on 11 shots. Goalie Isabella Marzano helped to keep her Pilgrims in the game as she had 18 saves on 34 shots. 

The Monks outshot the Pilgrims 41-20. They also only had 17 turnovers while the Pilgrims had 33. The Pilgrims had 23 ground balls and the Monks had 20. Draw controls were in favor of the Monks at a rate of 14-10.

LEADERS- Saint Joseph's:

• Celia Melanson led the way for the Monks with 2 goals, 4 assists, 3 ground balls, and 5 draw controls
• Taylor Dumond recorded 4 goals and 1 assist
• Ella Highbarger tallied 4 goals to match her 4 caused turnovers
• Dinah Wadleigh had 2 goals while Lydia Hill also contributed 2 goals
• Morgan Wright led the way in net for the Monks collecting the win and adding 6 saves on 11 shots

LEADERS-New England College:

• Meadow Gilchrist led the way for the Pilgrims as she had 2 goals on 4 shots
• Carmela Goodwin also helped pace the Pilgrims with 2 goals
• Goalie Isabella Marzano kept her team in the game with 18 saves on 34 shots

NEXT!
The Monks are back in action on Wednesday against Colby-Sawyer College. The game will be home at 5pm.