MAHWAH, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham women's lacrosse team put together a stellar defensive outing and caused 20 turnovers in a 13-3 non-conference victory over the Ramapo College Roadrunners on Wednesday afternoon.
It was a total team defensive effort as 13 different players for the Devils combined to cause the 20 turnovers. Leah Eble and Samantha Holleritter each tallied three in the game.
On the offensive end FDU-Florham (4-6) had seven different players get into the scoring column and at the helm was juniors Brienna Reasoner and Joelle Manganella, who each recorded a hat trick in the win over the Roadrunners (6-5).
Junior Laura Cannillo and sophomore Cassidy Vastano each added a pair of goals.
Freshman goalkeeper Megan Nemeth got the win and posted a shutout in one half of play, recording five saves.
The Devils were denied on their two early scoring opportunities by the Ramapo goalkeeper, Jessica Meyers, but FDU-Florham did break through in the 25th minute when Reasoner found the back of the net.
Pressure continued to be applied by the Devils and after a few minutes, Manganella had the ball in her stick and scored to put FDU-Florham up by two scores.
In the 17th minute Cannillo caused a Roadrunners' turnover and picked up the ball. As the Devils maintained possession, the ball found its way over to junior midfielder Brittni Calleo and she buried the shot.
Leading by three goals, the Devils did not let up and Reasoner netted two more scores in the half to complete her hat trick.
With less than 10 minutes remaining in the opening half Frances Maggio caused the Roadrunners to commit a turnover and she was eventually rewarded once Caitlyn Damon found her near the net for the score. The Devils managed to add one more goal in the half off of a shot from Canillo.
In the final minute of the half the Roadrunners placed three shots on goal but all were sent away by Nemeth.
FDU-Florham carried its hot start into the second half and Cannillo and Manganella each netted a score within the first four minutes. Manganella had two goals already on the afternoon and she completed her hat trick in the 23rd minute on a free position shot and score to cap off a 10-0 run for the Devils.
Ramapo finally got on the board half way through the second half but the Devils were quick to answer once Vastano netted a free position shot.
Following another score by the Roadrunners, Ramapo won the draw control and had possession of the ball. However, freshman Hannah Aull locked onto the Ramapo player with the ball and caused a turnover, picked it up and then ran towards the net and rifled the shot into the net for her first collegiate career goal.
Vastano scored the final goal for the Devils and despite a late score by Lindsay Hughes for Ramapo, the Devils were able to walk away with the 13-3 win.
The Devils will return to Madison to resume conference play on Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. for a MAC Freedom showdown with King's College.
