In a breathtaking display of dominance, the Siena women’s lacrosse team shattered records and left their opponents stunned on a historic Saturday afternoon clash at Hickey Field. Despite battling the elements, the Saints unleashed an unstoppable performance, clinching a record-breaking 22-4 victory against MAAC newcomer Rider. This resounding win not only cemented their supremacy on the field but also etched a new chapter in the annals of Siena lacrosse history.
The relentless downpour of rain, accompanied by sleet and snow, failed to deter the spirited Saints as they delivered a masterclass performance, setting a new program benchmark for the largest margin of victory in their 28-year history. With unwavering determination, they eclipsed the previous record of a 17-goal margin, sealing their triumph with a staggering 18-goal lead, courtesy of Sarah Irish’s decisive goal in the waning moments of the game.
Siena’s offensive onslaught not only secured victory but also matched a longstanding program record, as they equaled their highest tally of 22 goals scored in a single game, a feat achieved previously against Hartford on March 13, 2019.
From the onset, Siena asserted their dominance across all facets of the game, commanding an iron grip on draw controls by winning an impressive 26 out of 30 as a team. Senior standout Taryn Asselin emerged as a pivotal force, etching her name in the record books with a remarkable 15 draw controls, setting a new single-game program record.
Despite being in their inaugural season in women’s lacrosse, Rider entered the contest with commendable momentum, buoyed by the prowess of standout player Katie Walsh. However, the Saints’ formidable defense shackled Walsh and the Broncs’ offense, limiting them to a mere four goals and thwarting their attacking endeavors.
Offensively, Siena showcased a balanced assault, led by the dynamic duo of junior Grace Dobrzynski and Kelly Logue. Dobrzynski dazzled with an eight-point performance, while Logue reached a career milestone, surpassing 100 points with a stellar six-point display.
The Saints’ dominance was evident from the opening whistle, surging to a commanding 7-1 lead by the end of the first quarter. This relentless momentum carried through the game, as they outscored the Broncs 6-2 in the second quarter, establishing a commanding 13-3 advantage at halftime.
The second half witnessed no respite for Rider, as Siena continued their relentless onslaught, outscoring their opponents 9-1 to seal an emphatic victory. With twelve different players contributing to the scoreline, including hat tricks from Logue, Olivia Nicholson, and Rebecca Gilhooley, the Saints showcased their depth and offensive prowess.
On the defensive end, graduate student Jenna Colabufo emerged as a stalwart, tallying four caused turnovers and reaching a significant milestone of 50 for her Saints’ career.
Despite Rider’s formidable reputation as an offensive powerhouse, averaging nearly 15 goals per game and ranking second in the MAAC, they were stifled by Siena’s suffocating defense, mustering a mere nine shots, with only six finding the target.
The victory marked Siena’s fourth consecutive win and their fifth triumph in the last six outings, underscoring their ascendancy in the competitive landscape of women’s lacrosse. Remarkably, they’ve held their opponents to single-digit scores in all five of these victories, further solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the MAAC conference and beyond.
In summary, Siena’s record-breaking triumph against Rider not only showcased their dominance on the field but also served as a testament to their unwavering resolve and collective prowess. As they continue their pursuit of excellence, the Saints stand poised to leave an indelible mark on the realm of collegiate lacrosse.
