Falcons Upended By Wildcats, 21-5

Lutz and Gagnon-Burch combine for four points in non-conference setback 

Providence, R.I. – The Fitchburg State Women's Lacrosse team dropped a 21-5 decision to the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales University in non-conference action this afternoon at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Field.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 5, Johnson & Wales 21

Records: Fitchburg State (7-7) | Johnson & Wales (13-2)

How It Happened

The two teams traded scores to open the contest as sophomore Cat Nolan (Center Moriches, N.Y.) found the back of the net for Johnson and Wales, while senior Jaimee Lutz (Foxboro, Mass.) tallied the score for the Falcons.

Following a goal from senior Carrie Long (Foxboro, Mass.), the Wildcats connected on four straight markers, capped by a score from junior Allison Pazienski (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) to extend their lead to 7-2, en-route to an 11-3 half time advantage.

In the second half, Johnson and Wales upped its margin (18-3) with freshman Marley Medina (South Hadley, Mass.) notching two goals in the frame before Fitchburg State cut into the deficit as junior Anna Gagnon-Burch (Putney, Vt.) and Lutz struck for markers, resulting in the 21-5 final.

Inside the Numbers,

Fourth meeting between the two schools in lacrosse with the Falcons currently 1-3 all-time when taking on the Wildcats.

Johnson & Wales has won two of the last three contest against Fitchburg State, including a 10-7 decision last season at Elliot Field. Former Falcon Ali Laferriere paced the Falcons, finishing with a team-best three goals, one ground ball and two draw controls.

Lutz led the way for the Falcons with two goals, two ground balls, four draw controls and one caused turnover, while Gagnon-Burch added two points on one goal and one helper to go along with one ground ball, one draw control and one caused turnover.

For the Wildcats, senior Raquel Pederzani (Coventry, R.I.) finished with seven points on two goals and five assists as well as six ground balls and four caused turnovers, while Medina chipped in with seven points on two scores and five assists as well as three ground balls, two draw controls and two caused turnovers.

In goal, junior Marguerite Belcher (Quincy, Mass.) made four saves in the complete game effort for the Falcons, while newcomer Cassidy O'Hara (Mashpee, Mass.) stopped five shots in 60:00 minutes of work for the Wildcats.

Up Next

Falcons return to action on Wednesday as it hosts the Lancers of Worcester State for a MASCAC bout, starting at 7:00 PM. Wildcats will host the Cadets of Norwich University on the same date for a GNAC tilt at 6:00 PM.