Fitchburg State Claws Past MCLA, 19-1

Panek nets team-best eight points for Falcons in MASCAC victory

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team defeated MCLA 19-1 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at Elliot Field on senior night.

The Falcons raced out to a commanding 12-0 advantage after 30 minutes of play with junior Kayla Panek tallying all four of her goals in the opening stanza, while classmate Ali Laferriere netted a pair of markers for the Green and Gold.

Following intermission, Fitchburg State upped its margin on a pair of scores from junior Andrea Comeau before newcomer Jessica Hall netted her first collegiate tally. After a goal by sophomore Jaimee Lutz, MCLA broke its scoring silence as sophomore Mackenzie Cutler found the back of the net to make the score 16-1.

The hosts capped the scoring on markers by freshmen Sarah Mallahan, Nicole Lee and Lindsey Luksha, resulting in the 19-1 final.

With the win the Falcons secure at least a share of the MASCAC women's lacrosse regular season title for the first time in the program's history.

Panek ignited Fitchburg State's offense, registering a game-best eight points on four goals and four assists as well as two ground balls, while Comeau netted three points on a trio of scores to go along with four ground balls and one caused turnover.

For the Trailblazers, Cutler notched one goal with three ground balls, three draw controls and a caused turnover, while junior Rachel Green added one point on one helper to go along with one draw control.

Throughout the contest, Fitchburg State finished with a commanding 42-2 margin in shots as well as holding a 40-17 advantage in ground balls. In goal, senior Liz Darrigo stopped one shot in the complete game effort for the Falcons, while sophomore Zoe Elwell made 20 saves in 60 minutes of action for MCLA.

Prior to the contest, the Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team honored eight senior playing in their final regular season. From MCLA Tanelle Clempa, Erin McNulty, Gabrielle Prata, Zoe Schwartz and Erinn Rayno and from Fitchburg State Samantha Bontempo, Brianna Dunn and Liz Darrigo

Fitchburg State (13-4, 5-1 MASCAC) concludes the regular season this evening and awaits it's seeding in the upcoming MASCAC women's lacrosse post-season tournament. MCLA (3-10, 0-6 MASCAC) will host the Vikings of Salem State University on its senior day.