WLAX Falls to Saint Joseph

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The University of Saint Joseph powered to a 24-2 victory over Mitchell College on Thursday afternoon in a non-conference women's lacrosse match at Alumni Field.

Four players scored four or more goals for the Blue Jays in the contest, led by a game-high six from Dayna Gambino. Erika Leitao led all scorers with five goals and five assists while Rachel Foster and Vicky Thai added five and four goals, respectively. Sophie Spiller and Amanda Rowan each recorded goals for the Mariners.

Saint Joseph never trailed in the contest and held a 42-8 advantage in shots and a 21-6 edge in draw controls. Francesca Mastria got things started for the Blue Jays in the opening minute of the contest, and the visitors rolled to a 16-0 lead by halftime. Seven different players scored for Saint Joseph in the stanza, led by four goals from Leitao and three apiece from Foster, Thai and Gambino.

The Mariners opened the second half with a goal from Spiller on a free position shot. Rowan later added the second tally off a feed from Taylor Dansereau with 8:38 to play.

Gambino added three goals in the second half for the Blue Jays while Foster tacked on a pair. Justine Mojsa finished with a game-high seven ground balls and also had three draw controls.

Saint Joseph goalie Anne Pitoniak finished with four saves on the day while Mitchell starter Jaleesa Peeples made six in the first half. Anysia Lombardo played between the pipes for the final 30 minutes and collected three saves.

Mitchell (1-3 overall) will next host Elms College on Saturday, March 29 at 4 p.m. Saint Joseph (2-3 overall) returns to action at Rivier College on Saturday at 1 p.m.