Hofstra women's lacrosse downs Wagner

Taylor Mennella and Kerry Walser’s six-point night headlined a dominant offensive performance as the Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team downed the Wagner College Seahawks 17-2 on Tuesday, March 5. Seventeen is the most goals the Pride has scored in a single game since April 15, 2023.

Walser and Taylor Mennella led the attack with four goals apiece, while Nikki Mennella tallied her third hat trick of the season. Midfielders Kate Fiola and Emily Weigand scored their first goals of the season while nine total players got on the scoreboard in the win.

The Pride got off to a fast start as Taylor Mennella ripped a shot past Bryn Bockstie less than 60 seconds into the first quarter. Hofstra’s press was unrelenting, with Walser and Nikki Mennella netting three goals in five minutes. Bockstie held the Seahawks in the game, making three saves in the quarter.

The second quarter brought no relief for Wagner. Thirty seconds into the frame, Nikki Mennella completed her hat trick. Taylor Mennella scored the next two goals to reach a season-high three goals in one game.

Nikki Mennella’s third goal was the first of seven in a row where a member of the Pride tallied an assist. Walser got Hofstra’s first player-up goal of the game to close out the first half, leading 11-0.

“Walser was on a mission today,” said Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith. “She did a phenomenal job of making smart decisions and finishing her shots. She did a lot for our team.”

Hofstra opened up the second half on a quick goal from Melissa Sconone. Wagner was able to limit Hofstra to three goals on five shots in the third quarter. Luchianna Cardello saved all four shots she faced in the first three quarters.

“Lulu has put in a lot of extra work, and she made some big saves,” Smith said. “Hopefully those big saves can continue to win us games.”

The fourth quarter saw both teams make a goalie change. The Seahawks broke the 14-goal scoring run by Hofstra with 13 minutes left in the game when Nia Scott scored Wagner’s first goal. After that, it was a matter of getting to the final buzzer, but just before they did, Fiola scored her first goal of the season with under a minute left to play.

The Pride has little time to rest before Marist College comes to Hempstead. Initial draw control is at 1 p.m. on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Matteo Bracco