The Salisbury University women’s lacrosse team secured the top seed in the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament with the team’s Senior Day win over Southern Virginia University on Saturday, 18-1.
The Sea Gulls (14-2, 5-0 CAC) jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Senior attacker Courtney Fegan put the Sea Gulls on the board around three minutes in, and the Gulls would tally two more in the next three minutes.
The scoring onslaught would continue, as the 3-0 lead quickly became a 9-0 lead over the following eight minutes.
Salisbury grew its lead to 13-0 at the break. Nine different Sea Gulls recorded goals in the first half, and the Knights (8-8, 0-6 CAC) did not record a shot.
With just under six minutes remaining, the Knights were still shotless and scoreless as Salisbury held a 19-0 lead. However, one feed from freshman midfielder Jordan Gundersen would change that.
Gundersen held the ball from just outside the fan, anticipating the quick cut from sophomore attacker Caitriona Knowles. The pass came, and Knowles found the back of the net to prevent the Salisbury shutout.
Twelve Sea Gulls notched a goal on the day, with six scoring two or more goals. The Salisbury defense has now held 11 of their last 12 opponents to single-digits in goals.
With the win, the Sea Gulls earned a first-round bye in the CAC Tournament. They also afforded more playing time for players that do not normally get in-game action, as 28 different players saw the field for Salisbury.
“These are my favorite games,” senior attacker Lindsey Wagner said. “I love to see people who don’t get as much playing time getting points and getting that experience.”
Head coach Jim Nestor was very pleased with his team and the opportunity to gain additional experience for the reserve players on the roster heading into tournament play.
“I thought everyone did a great job coming off the bench, getting their job done and playing Salisbury lacrosse,” Nestor said. “Today was a nice day especially for our offense to be able to run through things from beginning to end.”
The team will part ways with seven seniors this season after graduating six in 2018. These players are attackers Fegan, Wagner and Gabby Mongno, midfielders Ryan Schrader and Elaine Draper and defenders Martha Hutzell and Morgon Von Schmidt.
Wagner has achieved an impressive statistical career with the university, tallying 78 goals and 78 assists thus far through her four seasons. She acknowledges the high level of success the senior class has achieved.
“Last year’s senior game, we were down by eight and came back with five minutes left in the game and ended up winning,” Wagner said. “That was definitely one of my favorites, and then all the CAC championships we’ve won, especially last year.”
After graduating, Wagner will begin work as a behavioral analyst in Baltimore.
Gabby Mongno has also played a key role in Salisbury’s success over the last four seasons. She has scored 20+ goals in each of her four seasons, compiling 113 goals so far in her career.
Mongno plans to play lacrosse in Germany with Hutzell, Draper and Fegan after graduation and find a job in marketing. After scoring two goals in her Senior Day game, Mongno remains focused on the rest of the season.
“Salisbury is an absolutely great program,” Mongno said. “I’m gonna miss this experience when it’s all over, but we have a lot more season to take care of.”
By NICK LEWIS
Staff writer
Featured photo: Senior defense, Morgan Von Schmidt, carries the ball away from the Knights April 20 (Emma Reider image).
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