MADISON, N.J. -- The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's lacrosse team earned the No. 1 seed in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom playoffs with a 16-8 win over Misericordia University on Senior Day, Saturday, April 28 at Robert T. Shields Field.

The Devils (13-4, 7-0 MAC Freedom) honored their seniors Noelle Shirey, Cassidy Vastano and Samantha Holleritter in the victory.

FDU-Florham used a strong first half to seure the win as Shirey led the offensive effort with four goals and juniors Kathleen Petrucelli and Caroline Pape added three goals each while Pape recorded four assists.

Shirey was everywhere for the Devils, winning eight draw controls, causing six turnovers and picking up four ground balls.

In goal, junior Megan Nemeth made 13 pivotal saves to earn the triumph.

The Devils scored the first six goals and used a tally from Pape to close out the first half with a 7-2 lead over Misericordia. 

Nemeth made a huge save on a free position shot with 1:48 remaining in the first half as the Devils' defense stood solid until time expired, not even allowing a Cougars shot in the final minute.

FDU opened the second stanza with three-straight points including good tallies from Holleritter and Pape on free position shots.

Just about six minutes into the second half, sophomore defender Nina Shirey caused a Cougars turnover and junior Leah Eble picked up the ground ball as the Devils ran to a good clear. Sophomore Madison Wood found the ball, dodged through the defense and kept composure to score a thrilling goal that put FDU up, 10-2.

Misericordia didn't let up however and gained momentum,scoring five-straight midway through the final period to close in on the Devils, 10-7.

Shirey and Petrucelli closed the door on a Cougars comeback, combining for the next four goals to put the Devils up ahead, 13-8. Freshman Hannah Bhend had the final say, knocking in the last two goals of the game. 

Defensively, Nina Shirey and junior Jessica Haddad caused two turnovers and picked up three ground balls each as junior Madeline DeFelice caused four turnovers.

Up next, the Devils will host the fourth seed team in the MAC Freedom Tournament Playoffs on Wednesday, May 2 at a time to be announced.