MADISON, N.J – The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's lacrosse team defeated King's College, 13-5, in a Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom matchup on Saturday afternoon at Robert T. Shields Field in their military appreciation game.

Both squads played in honor of our troops and partnered with Operation Chillout to raise money in effort to end the crisis of homelessness for veterans throughout New Jersey and parts of North East Pennsylvania.

With the triumph, the Devils improve to 8-4 on the season and 3-0 in the Mac Freedom while King's dropped to 4-9 overall and 1-2 in the conference.

Sophomore Nina Shirey stunned on the defensive end, picking up nine ground balls and causing four turnovers. Her nine groundballs tied her sister's, Noelle Shirey, single-game record.

On the attack, junior midfielder Caroline Pape led the Devils with four goals in the victory. Pape also won five draw controls, picked up three ground balls and recorded three caused turnovers in her offensive campaign.

FDU found themselves in unfamiliar territory when King's scored first just two minutes into the contest. The Devils answered back though with four-straight scores including two from Pape and one each from graduate student Noelle Shirey and sophomore Madison Wood.

King's managed to score twice more in the first half but two more free position goals from Noelle Shirey and junior Caitlyn Damon gave the Devils a 6-3 lead at half time.

FDU used the second half to break away from the Monarchs, scoring seven goals to Kings' two.

With 22:46 left in the game, junior goalie Megan Nemeth made an outstanding save on what looked to be a sure King's goal, halting the visitors from any chance of a comeback.

Junior Kathleen Petrucelli impressed the crowd when she dodged through the King's defense and fired in the 12^th goal of the game while Pape had the final say on an impressive man-down goal with 42 seconds left on the clock, thanks to a good ground ball from Nina Shirey.

In goal, Nemeth earned the win with five saves while sophomore Eliana Reyes was a defensive stalwart with three caused turnovers.

Noelle Shirey and Damon both finished with two goals as Wood, seniors Cassidy Vastano, Samantha Holleritter and freshman Olivia Chaoush also contributed a goal each in the effort. 

The Devils have a quick turnaround as they face Ramapo College in a non-conference match at Robert T. Shields Field, tomorrow, April 15 at 12 p.m.