Lacrosse powers past Simmons for 19-6 win

FITCHBURG, Mass. — The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team delivered a dominant all-around performance, powering past Simmons by a 19–6 final in conference action.

The Basics

Final Score: Fitchburg 19, Simmons 6

Records: Fitchburg (5-7, 0-2 MASCAC) Simmons (3-7, 3-5 GNAC)

How it Happened

Fitchburg State struck early when junior attacker Hannah Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) opened the scoring off a feed from Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.), but Simmons responded with four of the next five goals to take a 4–2 lead midway through the first quarter. The Falcons quickly flipped the momentum, closing the frame on a four-goal run. Freshman attacker Layne Thomason (Hudson, Mass.) scored twice during the stretch, while freshman midfielder Nevaeh Chiacchia (Monson, Mass.) added a pair of goals to give Fitchburg a 6–4 advantage after one.

The Falcons took full control in the second quarter, erupting for eight unanswered goals. Senior midfielder Jessica St. George (Dracut, Mass.) and Chiacchia sparked the run, while Samantha Azzari netted two goals in the period. Paige Marchand (Rocky Hill, Conn.) and Nola Patty (Ashburnham, Mass.) also found the back of the net as Fitchburg built a commanding 14–4 lead heading into halftime.

Fitchburg State continued its strong play in the second half, adding three more goals in the third quarter. Kiley McFadden (Tewksbury, Mass.) converted on a free-position attempt, while Hannah Azzari and St. George each added their second goals of the contest to extend the lead to 17–4.

After Simmons scored twice in the fourth quarter, the Falcons answered with goals from Hannah Azzari and senior defender Sophia Yates (Woodstock, Vt.) to cap the scoring at 19–6.

Hannah Azzari and Chiacchia led the offense with four goals apiece, while Samantha Azzari recorded six points on three goals and three assists. St. George added three points (two goals, one assist), and Thomason chipped in two goals and an assist. Noelle Kennedy (West Roxbury, Mass.) contributed three assists in the win.

Defensively, Fitchburg State controlled possession throughout, finishing with advantages in shots (33–19), ground balls (23–12), and draw controls (12–13). Junior midfielder Kiley McFadden led the team with six ground balls, while Mackenzie Mackin (Auburn, Mass.) added three caused turnovers.

Sophomore goalkeeper Dakin Kovatch (White River Junction, Vt.) earned the win with eight saves over 60 minutes of action.

By the numbers

• Fitchburg State scored 19 goals on 33 shots, with 29 of those attempts on goal.
• Nevaeh Chiacchia and Hannah Azzari led the offense with four goals each, while Samantha Azzari added three goals and three assists. Layne Thomason contributed two goals and an assist, and Jessica St. George finished with two goals and one assist.
• The Falcons controlled possession, winning 12 ground balls and collecting 10 draw controls. They were efficient on clears, with 10 successful attempts, and forced 18 turnovers while committing just 10 themselves.
• In goal, sophomore Dakin Kovatch recorded eight saves to secure the win.

Up Next

Women's Lacrosse will return home this Friday at 6 PM to host Mass Maritime. 

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