Syracuse, N.Y. - A Division II women's lacrosse rivalry is officially over, and for Adelphi women's lacrosse, the victory could not be sweeter.
After falling to LIU Post (16-5) in overtime of the regular season, the Panthers (16-3) sought vengeance in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, topping the Pioneers 16-3.
Kole Pollock was the third-seed's leading scorer, tallying seven points courtesy of six goals and one assist. In the process of scoring six, the junior captured her 200th career goal. Also recording seven points was
Alison Johnson, however she led with six assists and a solo strike.
Adelphi wasted no time getting on the board with the help of
Lena Riportella, and held a 3-0 advantage after the opening 10 minutes of action. The Panthers scored five straight, capped with another goal from Riportella before the Pioneers found their offense to break the silence and get a tally on the board. The transfer reached her own milestone of 100 career goals with her first strike, joining the ranks of Panthers who surpassed the mark in just two seasons.
LIU managed to score once more, but it was Pollock who sparked a run of three unanswered to have the Panthers leading 8-2 at the half.
Emma Lemanski, who finished with eight saves in the victory, picked up three in the first half. Not slowing down after the break, the visitor's on the scoreboard fired three more shots past Hailey Duchnowski, who was selected as the East Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year this season.
The second-seeded Pioneers managed to convert a free position shot at 23:40 with hopes that it would shift momentum in their favor, but it was Adelphi who responded with five straight goals. The Panthers held an advantage in nearly every category, but were even with turnovers and ground balls.
Chelsea Abreu was on every side of the ball, finishing the first round contest with five draw controls, three ground balls, three goals and two caused turnovers.
The program will return to the NCAA Second Round, and for the second consecutive year face top-seeded Le Moyne College on Ted Grant Field. The game is set for Sunday, May 12 with opening draw at noon.
About Adelphi Athletics
A regionally and nationally competitive NCAA Division II institution located in Garden City, N.Y., Adelphi University has been a proud member of the Northeast-10 Conference since 2009.
Winners of 16 NCAA Division II National Championships and four NE10 Presidents' Cups, Panther athletes have excelled at the conference, regional and national level, both on the field of play and in the classroom. In turn, the Adelphi athletic department is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, equity and success where its student-athletes can thrive both on campus and off.
Stay connected with Adelphi Athletics by following the Panthers at aupanthers.com or via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and wear your Panther pride by shopping official Adelphi Panthers gear at our licensed team store.
