Falcons power past Bucaneers for 1st MASCAC victory

FITCHBURG, Mass. — The Fitchburg State women's lacrosse team used a fast start and balanced scoring effort to secure a 16–10 victory over Mass. Maritime in conference action Thursday evening at Elliot Field.

The Basics 

Final Score: Fitchburg 16, Mass Maritime 10

Records: Fitchburg State (6-7, 1-2 MASCAC) Massachusetts Maritime (0-9, 0-3 MASCAC)

How it Happened

Fitchburg State came out firing, scoring six of the game's first seven goals to take control early. Junior attacker Samantha Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.) opened the scoring on a free-position shot, while senior midfielder Jessica St. George (Dracut, Mass.), freshman midfielder Paige Marchand (Rocky Hill, Conn.), freshman attacker Nevaeh Chiacchia (Monson, Mass.), junior attacker Hannah Azzari (Haverhill, Mass.), and freshman attacker Layne Thomason (Hudson, Mass.) all found the back of the net during the opening run to give the Falcons a 6–2 lead after one.

The Falcons continued to build their advantage in the second quarter. Marchand added her second goal of the contest, while sophomore midfielder Nola Patty (Ashburnham, Mass.) and Chiacchia each converted on free-position opportunities to extend the lead to 9–4 at halftime.

Fitchburg State pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Mass. Maritime 5–1 in the frame. Marchand completed her hat trick early in the period, while Samantha Azzari netted two more goals. Junior midfielder Noelle Kennedy (West Roxbury, Mass.) and junior attacker Mykaela Correia (Dracut, Mass.) also tallied to push the advantage to 14–5 heading into the final quarter. Mass. Maritime made a late push in the fourth, scoring five times in the period, but the Falcons maintained control. Chiacchia added her third goal of the game, and St. George capped the scoring in the final seconds to secure the 16–10 win.

Samantha Azzari, Marchand, and Chiacchia each recorded hat tricks to lead the offense, while St. George added two goals. Kennedy contributed three points on one goal and two assists, and Correia chipped in a goal and an assist. Defensively, Fitchburg State was paced by Reese Curtis (Methuen, Mass.) and Hannah Azzari, who each collected four ground balls. Chiacchia dominated the draw, finishing with 10 draw controls, helping the Falcons control possession throughout. Sophomore goalkeeper Dakin Kovatch (White River Junction, Vt.) earned the win with seven saves over 60 minutes of action.

By the Numbers

• Fitchburg State totaled 16 goals on 37 shots, placing 33 attempts on target in the win.
• Nevaeh Chiacchia, Samantha Azzari, and Paige Marchand each recorded hat tricks, combining for nine of the team's 16 goals.
• The Falcons controlled possession with 21 ground balls and a dominant 19 draw controls, including 10 from Chiacchia.
• Fitchburg also moved the ball efficiently and stayed disciplined, finishing with 19 turnovers while forcing 12.
• In goal, Dakin Kovatch made seven saves to earn the victory.

Up Next

Fitchburg Women's Lacrosse will return to the field next week on Wednesday, April 15th, for an away game at Salem State at 7 PM.

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