OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. – The SUNY Old Westbury women's lacrosse team wrapped up its two-game homestand at Panther Park on Saturday afternoon as it hosted St. Joseph's University Long Island in a Skyline Conference matchup. The Panthers were downed by the Golden Eagles, 21-3.
St. Joseph's Long Island came out fast in the opening quarter, scoring four straight goals and putting early pressure on the Panthers' defense. But at the 9:52 mark of the first quarter, Katia Maisonneuve got Old Westbury on the board with her first goal of the game to cut into the deficit.
The Golden Eagles carried an 11-1 lead after the first quarter before both teams settled into a more defensive rhythm in the second. Old Westbury did a much better job slowing down the visitors in the period, with Jara Gonzalez coming up with several key saves in goal. Her relentless effort in net allowed the Panthers to keep St. Joseph's Long Island to just two goals in the second quarter.
After trailing 13-2 at halftime, Old Westbury continued to battle in the second half. Ciana Kunen found the back of the net for the Panthers, while Annabella Runyan also added a goal to round out the scoring for Old Westbury.
As a team, the Panthers did two things well despite the loss. First, they showed resilience by continuing to compete throughout the game and finding ways to generate offense against a tough Golden Eagles defense. Second, Old Westbury was much stronger defensively in stretches after the opening quarter, particularly in the second period when the Panthers limited St. Joseph's Long Island to just two goals.
Maisonneuve, Kunen, and Runyan each scored once for the Panthers. Katherine Campbell finished with a team-high three shots, while Maisonneuve and Kunen each added two shots. Gonzalez anchored the Panthers in goal with 13 saves, turning in a relentless performance that helped Old Westbury slow down the Golden Eagles in the second quarter.
Old Westbury also got contributions on the ground ball side from several players. Ciana Kunen, Stefany Donnelly Annabella Runyan, each collected two ground balls, while Jasmine Roldan, Stephanie Velez, and Jara Gonzalez added one ground ball apiece. Stefany Donnelly and Annabella Runyan, Jasmine Roldan also each caused two turnovers for the Panthers.
What's Next?
The Panthers will now regroup and return to action on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 p.m. when they travel to Riverdale, N.Y. for a Skyline Conference matchup against Mount Saint Vincent.
