San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Montclair State University women's lacrosse team (3-2) found itself in a tightly contested battle against UMass Dartmouth before a dominant late run secured a 16-9 victory on Monday morning.

How It Happened

• UMass Dartmouth struck first, scoring twice in the opening four minutes at the 13:48 and 11:33 marks to take a 2-0 lead. Montclair responded quickly when CHELSEA STACK assisted KAELEY SEK just 19 seconds later. The Corsairs extended their lead to 3-1 at 8:32, but Montclair answered with back-to-back goals from Sek and NORAH MONAGHAN, tying the game at 3-3 heading into the second quarter.
• UMass Dartmouth again opened the scoring in the second quarter with two goals. Monaghan cut the deficit to 5-4 off a feed from CARA MCCARTNEY, but the Corsairs added another goal at 8:29 to restore their two-goal advantage. A key save from JOEY GROTKOPF set up a fast break for AMRA LUKOVIC, who capitalized with a goal to bring Montclair within one. The Red Hawks trailed 6-5 at halftime.
• Both teams found the back of the net in the first minute of the third quarter, with Montclair's goal coming from LEXI ROBINSON. Stack converted a free-position attempt at 11:24 to tie the game at 7-7. UMass Dartmouth briefly reclaimed the lead at 9:50, but JOELLE D'ANGELO answered just 39 seconds later. D'Angelo struck again at 6:32, giving Montclair its first lead of the game, 9-8. The Corsairs tied it up at 4:27, but two late goals from Robinson (man-up free position) and Stack (11 seconds left) gave the Red Hawks an 11-9 advantage entering the final quarter.
• Montclair's defense locked down UMass Dartmouth in the fourth quarter, holding them scoreless and limiting them to just three total shots. The Red Hawks took control offensively, adding five more goals to seal the 16-9 win.

Inside the Numbers

• Monaghan led Montclair with four goals, tying her career high from last season against Manhattanville. She also contributed three caused turnovers, three ground balls, and three draw controls.
• Stack continued her strong play making, tallying five assists along with two goals for a seven-point performance. She also recorded three draw controls.
• D'Angelo delivered an all-around stellar game, posting her second career hat trick while causing five turnovers and securing four draw controls.
• SAMANTHA HANDZO anchored Montclair's defense, causing a career-high six turnovers and collecting four ground balls. Lukovic led the team with five ground balls and six draw controls.
• The Red Hawks dominated offensively, outshooting UMass Dartmouth 45-21 (29-14 on goal) and successfully converting 13 of 15 clear attempts.
• Grotkopf earned the win in goal, making five saves.

From the Field

"A great team effort! It was a hard fought battle but we defied all odds and were able to come out on top. Looking forward to competing tomorrow and enjoying the rest of our team trip in Puerto Rico." - Head Coach Nicol Parcelluzzi

Up Next

Montclair State has a quick turnaround as they take on Western New England tomorrow, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.