3 Falcons record hat-tricks in win over Rhode Island College

FITCHBURG, Mass. — The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team turned in a dominant performance on both ends of the field, defeating Rhode Island College by a 15–6 final in conference action.

The Basics

Final Score: Fitchburg 15, Rhode Island 6

Records: Fitchburg (4-6, 0-1), Rhode Island (1-6, 0-2)

How it Happened

Fitchburg State struck first when freshman attacker Nevaeh Chiacchia (Monson, Mass.) found the back of the net off an assist from sophomore goalkeeper Dakin Kovatch (White River Junction, Vt.). After Rhode Island College answered to even the score, the Falcons responded with a late first-quarter surge. Sophomore midfielder Nola Patty (Ashburnham, Mass.), junior midfielder Noelle Kennedy (West Roxbury, Mass.), and junior attacker Hannah Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) each tallied goals to give Fitchburg a 4–2 edge after one. The Falcons continued their offensive momentum into the second quarter, with junior attacker Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) netting two goals in the frame. Chiacchia added a goal and an assist during the stretch, while Kennedy and Hannah Azzari each contributed another score. Despite a brief push from Rhode Island College, Fitchburg carried a 9–5 advantage into halftime.

Fitchburg State broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring its opponent 4–0 in the period. Samantha Azzari completed her hat trick early, and freshman attacker Anna Poulios (Tyngsborough, Mass.) registered her first collegiate goal during the run. Patty and freshman attacker Layne Thomason (Hudson, Mass.) also found the back of the net, extending the lead to 13–5. The Falcons added two more tallies in the fourth quarter, including Chiacchia's third goal of the contest and another from Kennedy, before Rhode Island College scored in the closing seconds to account for the 15–6 final.

Chiacchia led the Falcons with a game-high seven points on three goals and four assists. Kennedy and Samantha Azzari each recorded hat tricks, while Hannah Azzari added two goals and one assist. Patty chipped in two goals, and freshman Meredith Rogers (West Topsham, Vt.) contributed two assists and a team-best six ground balls. Defensively, senior Makenzie Alicea (Northbridge, Mass.) anchored a unit that helped Fitchburg control possession throughout the contest. The Falcons held advantages in shots (37–23), ground balls (27–17), and draw controls (12–10), while also forcing 27 turnovers. Kovatch earned the win in goal, stopping seven shots over 60 minutes of play.

By The Numbers

• Fitchburg State totaled 15 goals on 37 shots, placing 27 attempts on target in the win.
• Nevaeh Chiacchia led the offense with seven points on three goals and four assists, while Samantha Azzari and Noelle Kennedy each recorded hat tricks.
• The Falcons controlled possession throughout, collecting 27 ground balls and winning 12 draw controls, while also going 20-for-22 on clear attempts.
• Defensively, Fitchburg forced 27 turnovers and received seven saves from Dakin Kovatch in goal.

Up Next

The Falcons will travel on Saturday morning to face Framingham State at 10 AM. 

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