Women's Lacrosse Comeback Comes Up Just Short on the Road at Robert Morris
Giangarra scores four times to lead the Blue Devils
The Central Connecticut women's lacrosse team posted a furious second-half comeback that fell just one goal short in a 14-13 setback on the road at Robert Morris on Friday afternoon. Senior Jessica Giangarra led the offensive attack with four goals and an assist.
The loss drops CCSU to 2-11 overall and 1-3 in Northeast Conference action. It is their second one-goal loss in conference play this season, and their fourth goal by three or fewer goals overall.
The Colonials, who remaining in first place in the NEC with a 4-0 record, climbed out to a 9-2 lead with 7:53 left in the first half. They led 11-4 at halftime as the Blue Devils managed a pair of goals in the final 2:25 to cut into the lead.
Robert Morris scored twice in the 8:38 of the second half to build the lead to 13-5. That's when the Blue Devils offense, and defense, changed the game.
Central would score five straight, including two from Giangarra, to cut the Colonials lead to 13-10 with 9:13 to play. Freshmen Morgan Sinton and Megan Szwalowski each scored, as did junior Kylie Sullivan during the run.
Robert Morris scored its final goal of the game with 8:05 to play to make it 14-10.
The Blue Devils scored the final three goals of the game to cut the eventual final score to 14-13. Senior Marissa Soto scored her third goal of the game, followed by one each from Szwalowski and freshman Cameron Ruberti. Ruberti's came with 2:28 left to play.
Sophomore Jackie Branthover made a 16 saves in goal in the loss for the Blue Devils. It marked the third straight game with 11 or more saves for the second year keeper, and the ninth time this season she has reached that mark. It's just three saves off of her career-high of 19 set earlier this season.
The Blue Devils will continue their Western PA swing with a game on Sunday at St. Francis U.