HENNIKER, N.H. – Saint Joseph's College (9-3, 8-0 GNAC) outscored New England College (8-4, 4-4 GNAC), 7-3, in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 16-13 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) women's lacrosse victory at Don Melander Field on Saturday afternoon. The win pushed the Monks' winning streak to eight games.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Saint Joseph's led 3-2 after one quarter and carried an 8-6 edge into halftime in a back-and-forth opening half. Senior Sophia Burton (Minisink, N.Y.) and sophomores Kiley Webber (Freeport, Maine) and Ella Highbarger (Kennebunk, Maine) added two goals apiece in the opening 20 minutes to help the Monks stay in front.

New England College surged in the third, using a 4-1 quarter to take its first lead of the day at 10-9 entering the fourth. Riley Davis fueled the comeback for the Pilgrims, but Saint Joseph's answered with a dominant final period. Junior Dinah Wadleigh (Augusta, Maine) tied the game early in the fourth, senior Celia Melanson (Waterford, Maine) followed with the go-ahead goal, and the Monks scored seven times in the stanza to secure the three-goal conference victory.

STATS OF THE GAME:

Saint Joseph's held advantages in shots (40-26), shots on goal (21-19), ground balls (23-19), and clears (25-for-29), while New England College controlled draws by a 19-12 margin. The Pilgrims stayed within striking distance behind a six-goal outing from Riley Davis, but 31 turnovers proved costly in the loss.

THE KEEPERS:

Saint Joseph's:

• Julia Price (Jr., Newbury, Mass.) – 60:00, 13 GA, 8 saves

New England College:

• Tatum Villa – 60:00, 16 GA, 7 saves

LEADERS – SAINT JOSEPH'S:

• Kiley Webber (So., Freeport, Maine) – 5 goals, 4 ground balls, 2 caused turnovers
• Ella Highbarger – 4 goals, 1 assist, 5 draw controls
• Sophia Burton – 4 goals, 1 assist
• Celia Melanson – 2 goals, 3 assists
• Dinah Wadleigh – 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 ground balls
• Ava Molineaux (So., Rowley, Mass.) – 3 ground balls, 3 draw controls
• Elle Hall (Sr., Casco, Maine) – 3 ground balls, 4 caused turnovers

LEADERS – NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE:

• Riley Davis – 6 goals
• Meadow Gilchrist – 3 goals, 2 assists
• Mackenzie McDonald – 2 goals, 1 assist
• Alexis Hornsby – 1 goal, 2 assists
• Chloe Horgan – 4 ground balls, 5 caused turnovers

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:

With the triumph, Saint Joseph's improves to 3-0 all-time versus New England College.

NEXT!

Saint Joseph's returns to action on Wednesday, April 8, when the Monks travel to Rivier University for a GNAC contest scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM.