The Stonehill women’s lacrosse team defeated Howard by a score of 13-5 at Greene Stadium, according to an April 25 announcement. With this victory, the Skyhawks clinched a share of the Northeast Conference (NEC) regular-season title for the second year in a row.
This achievement marks another milestone for Stonehill, as they finish the regular season with an overall record of 11-6 and an NEC record of 8-1. The team has now extended its winning streak to eight games, which is their best run since joining Division I competition. Howard ends its season at 3-13 overall and 2-7 in conference play.
Nina Tremonte tied her season-high with 13 saves in goal during the match. Caitlin Ruggiero and Sophia Gouveia each recorded hat tricks; Gouveia also contributed six draw controls and two ground balls. Natalie Coutu added two goals and two assists for four points, while Ellison O’Shea caused three turnovers and collected a career-best six ground balls.
Howard opened scoring early before Ruggiero responded to tie the game. After trading goals, Grace Murphy put Stonehill ahead on a free-position shot, followed by scores from Coutu and Gouveia that widened the lead to three by the end of the first quarter. In subsequent quarters, additional goals from Hanifin, Beigel, Flaherty, LaPia, Ruggiero (completing her hat trick), and Gouveia solidified Stonehill’s advantage.
Looking ahead, Stonehill will prepare for the upcoming NEC tournament hosted by top-seeded Le Moyne on Thursday, April 30 and Saturday, May 2. As the second seed in the tournament bracket (11-6 overall; 8-1 NEC), they are set to face third-seeded LIU (10-6 overall; 7-2 NEC) on Thursday.
