Women's Lacrosse Falls in Season Opener on the Road at Saint Joseph's

Sophomore Megan Szawlowski scored three times but the Central Connecticut women's lacrosse team dropped a 21-8 decision on the road in the season opener on Saturday.  The Blue Devils, now 0-1 on the season, will return to action on February 21 on the road at Army.

Junior Jackie Branthover made eight saves in the first half for the Blue Devils in the loss.  Freshman Meaghan Allard played all 30 minutes in the second half, making nine saves in her first collegiate action.  Saint Joseph's led 11-4 at the half.

Saint Joseph's took an early 2-0 lead on a pair of goals from Francesca Donato but the Blue Devils responded.  Sophomore Cameron Ruberti scored her first goal of the year, on an assist from Szawlowski, before Szawlowski's first goal of the game tied the score with 23:46 left in the first half.  Saint Joe's pushed the lead to 3-2, but Szawlowski scored for the second time to tie the game 3-3.

The Hawks then built an 11-4 halftime lead scoring eight of the half's final nine goals.  Szawlowski's third goal cut the lead to 5-4 with 19:19 left in the period, but the Hawks would score six straight to end the first half.

Second half goals from junior Carson Adelberger, sophomore Alaigra Usher, freshman Carrisa Brown and sophomore Morgan Sinton paced the Blue Devils offense in the second period.  The Hawks scored 10 goals after halftime, five from Hayley Sobal who finished the game with a game-high seven goals.

Szawlowski led the Blue Devils with her three goals and one assist.  She was the leading returning scorer for CCSU this season.  Senior Kylie Sullivan added an assist in the loss.

The Blue Devils are back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 21 on the road at Army beginning at 3 p.m.