MADISON, N.J. – Sophomore Joelle Manganella (Kenvil, N.J.) scored a season-high four goals to help the FDU-Florham women's lacrosse team take down the Kean University Cougars Saturday afternoon at Robert T. Shields Field.
Manganella wasted no time as she netted her first goal within the first three minutes of the contest to give the Devils (5-3) an early 1-0 lead. Several minutes later, following a Cougars' (1-6) turnover, the Devils were on the attack again and this time, sophomore Noelle Shirey (Pine Beach, N.J.) found the back of the net off of the assist from Courtney Rendinaro (Hillsborough, N.J.).
With 18 minutes left to play in the half, Junior Jordan Blanda forced a Devils' turnover and sprinted all the way down the field on her own, eventually scoring the Cougars first goal of the afternoon. However, the Devils countered a free position goal from Manganella. She not only scored efficiently, but also utilized her passing abilities to find her open teammates. The Devils scored two more goals in the half and both were off assists from Manganella.
The Cougars were awarded a free position shot with just minutes remaining in the first half and Emily Stasuk found the back of the net to cut the deficit to three.
Holding on to a three goal lead, the Devils called an early timeout in the second half. Following the timeout, it was Manganella again, who worked her way near the net and punctuated the attack with her third score of the game. She added one more goal on the Devils ensuing possession.
Continuing to capitalize on offense, the Devils went on to score four more unanswered goals in the half to grab an 11-2 advantage over the Cougars. In the final minutes of the game, the Cougars sent two shots to the back of the net, but it was too late as FDU-Florham held on to the lead and sealed the 11-4 victory. Senior Grace Warburton (Lake Hopatcong, N.J.) gave a strong outing in goal for FDU-Florham, making seven saves on the afternoon.
The Devils outshot the Cougars 24-26 in the contest. Brienna Reasoner (Flemington, N.J.), Shirey and Redinaro each finished the game scoring two goals while sophomore Brittni Calleo (Bayville, N.J.) added one as well.
The Devils will be back in action when they welcome the Ramapo College Roadrunners to Madison on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m.
