Tortorici's four goals help Seahawks down Corsairs

DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth women's lacrosse team's effort to erase an eight goal deficit in the second half fell short, as Salve Regina University seized the 17-15 non-conference win at Cressy Field on Thursday afternoon.

Trailing 17-9 with 10:14 remaining in regulation, the Corsairs managed to slash the deficit down to three at the two minute mark, however could not fully close the remaining gap. During the six goal stretch, sophomore Kelly Kryzak (Salisbury, Mass.) recorded three of her career-high eight goals to lead the home team. Sophomore Kathryn Gibb (Georgetown, Mass.), who led the team with six draw controls and ground balls, sparked the charge with her seventh goal of the year at 7:30. Kryzak and junior Colleen Kane (Ashland, Mass.) followed with a pair scores each over the next five minutes of play. As the final seconds ticked down, Kryzak converted a free-position chance to make the score 17-15, but UMass Dartmouth was unable to get any closer. Kane and sophomore Jess Miles contributed a pair of scores each for the game, while Erin LeBlanc (Walpole, Mass.) turned away five shots in net.   

The Seahawks (5-8) had four players register three or more goals in the win. Gina Tortorici (Deer Park, N.Y.) powered the visitor's efforts with four tallies in the scoring column. Katilin Gillespie (Haddam, Conn.), Abigail Tepper (Foxboro, Mass.), and Sarah Woods (East Lyme, Conn.) all found the back of the cage three times for Salve Regina. In net, Katie Jones (Derry, N.H.) turned away 14 shot attempts en route to her third win of the season.

During the first half, seven different Seahawk players contributed a score to help them build up a 10-5 advantage at the break. For the contest, Salve Regina held an advantage in draw controls (19-15), shots (37-31) and converted 8-of-13 free position shots compared to 3-of-4 by the hosts. The Corsairs caused more turnovers (17-16) and won the ground ball battle (28-21).

UMass Dartmouth (1-11) will return to action at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, when the Corsairs travel to Keene State for a Little East Conference contest. The Seahawk's next game is against opponent Curry at noon on Saturday.