Women's Lacrosse Falls in OT Thriller to Corsairs

DARTMOUTH, MA: The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team rallied back this evening after being down by eight goals against the Corsairs of UMass Dartmouth in non-conference action. After forcing overtime, the Falcons would drop the non-conference contest 14-13.

THE BASICS:

- Date: 4/1/25

- Score: UMD 14, Fitchburg 13

- Records: UMD (9-3), Fitchburg (1-9)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  The Corsairs jumped out to a 10-4 lead going into the break. The six-goal first quarter for Dartmouth was highlighted by Jenny Lipanovich, who had three. The Azzari twins would score the two goals for Fitchburg in the first, with Hannah Azzari (Haverhill, MA) scoring the first with 8:01 left. Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, MA) scored the Falcons' second goal with 2:12 left in the first.

- Fitchburg would get closer, making it a 3-6 game at the start of the second, when Breanna White (Peabody, MA) scored her first goal of the game. Lipanovich and Maddy Allen would add to the Corsairs' lead throughout the quarter, getting them to ten goals in the half. Sam Azzari would find her second goal of the game for the Falcons, getting it to 10-4.

- Although UMass scored first to start the second half, Fitchburg would find its offensive groove and outscore Dartmouth 5-3 in the third quarter, making it a 9-13 game. In the third, Delaney Ponder (E. Bridgewater) found the back of the net first and last. She was followed by H. Azzari, White, and Alexis Raymond (Tewksbury, MA). With Lipanovich carded out, the Corsairs' offense struggled to get any rhythm going.

- Dartmouth's struggles continued into the fourth, as the Falcons held them scoreless while working their way back to tie the game 13-13 with 2:08 left. The fourth was highlighted by Jessica St. George (Dracut, MA), finding her first goal. Ponder, White, and H. Azzari all scored their third goals of the game, forcing an overtime period after being down 11-4 at the start of the half.

- The overtime period did not last long, however, as the Corsairs won the draw control and Lily Nees ran down the field and was able to cut to the net wide open and get off a point-blank shot for the game-winner just 18 seconds into the OT.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  Dakin Kovatch (White River Junction, VT) suffered the loss (1-8) after making 14 saves and surrendering 14 goals.  

-  Keira Bushey got the win (8-3) after making 9 saves and letting in 13 goals.

-  Shots: UMD 34, Fitchburg 28

- Draws: UMD 18, Fitchburg 13

UP NEXT:

- Fitchburg State women's lacrosse will return to action Friday when they travel to Mass Maritime to continue MASCAC action at 7:00 PM.

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