FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - The Connecticut College women's lacrosse team wrapped up non-conference play with an all around strong performance, defeating host Framingham State 17-4 on Saturday afternoon from Maple Street Field. With the win, Conn improves to 7-6 on the year, while Framingham falls to 10-3.
Conn (7-6) started fast, jumping out to 2-0 lead off of goals from Emma Ognibene (New Canaan, Conn.) and Kate Coughlin (Reading, Mass.) inside the opening four minutes. Framingham State (10-3) answered at the 10 minute mark to cut the lead in half. The Camels restored the two goal advantage quickly, as Caroline Bruce (Acton, Mass.) hit the back of the net with a woman-up goal at 9:06. Conn continued their strong play with back-to-back even strength markers from Cambpell Johnston (Duxbury, Mass.) before Ognibene scored a woman-down to give the Camels a 6-1 lead after one.
Conn's run continued to open the second frame, as Johnston connected with Coughlin for another woman-up goal at 13:59, as the lead grew to 7-1. The Rams were able to end the run at 10:43, but just 30 seconds later, Aine Downey (Brookline, Mass.) made it 8-2. Sydney Weber (Hanover, Mass.) pushed the lead to 9-2, but a late marker from Framingham made it 9-3 at the break.
The scoring slowed down in the third quarter as the teams combined for just three goals. Bruce put the Camels into double digits with her second tally at 10:19. A minute and a half later, the Rams answered, but once again, Conn found a reply, as just 37 seconds later, Downey made it 11-4 heading to the fourth quarter.
The Camels attack put the game out of reach early in the final quarter, as Conn recorded four goals in the span of two minutes and 52 seconds, extending the lead to 15-4. During the run, Johnston, Downey, and Bruce all completed their hat tricks, while Janet Howard (Madison, Conn.) got herself on the scoresheet. Downey and Johnston both added one more goal in the final minute, as Conn came away with the 17-4 win.
Conn outshot Framingham 33-13, while controlling 17 of 25 draws.
Viollette Nidds (Ridgewood, N.J.) got the start in net, finishing with seven saves in 54:34 of action, before being replaced by Ava Virga (Watertown, N.Y.) who closed out the game facing no shots. Johnston and Bruce led the way with six points each, one four goals and two assists and three goals and three assists respectively. Downey recorded four goals, surpassing 100 career points in the process, while Coughlin and Ognibene both added two goals and one assist each.
Conn scooped up 11 ground balls, with Eliza Shamah (Acton, Mass.) collecting three and Johnston scooping up two. The Camels forced nine turnovers as both Johnston and Shamah caused two. Con was 16-17 on clear attempts, while Downey controlled eight draws.
Isabella DiMare got the start in goal, making 10 saves. Hannah Guerin and Rachel Erickson paced the Rams with two points each, while Framingham went 15-17 on clears.
Conn continued their road trip with a crucial NESCAC conference matchup next Saturday as the Camels travel to Clinton, N.Y. to take on Hamilton College at 12:00 p.m.
