March 10, 2015
STONY BROOK,N.Y. – Five different players scored for the No. 17 Notre Dame women’s lacrosse team but No. 18 Stony Brook would prevail, 9-5, on Tuesday night at LaValle Stadium on Long Island.
The first half saw plenty of solid defensive work on both ends of the field as the Seawolves (4-0) took just a 2-1 lead into the locker rooms against the Irish (3-4) after 30 minutes of play. Reflecting the balanced play in the first half, ground balls were 8-7 for Notre Dame, draw controls were tied 2-2 and the Irish led on shots, 9-6.
The Seawolves held a 2-0 lead late in the first half when Casey Pearsall got the Irish on the board by going high to score on a free position shot with 3:38 to play before intermission.
Stony Brook opened the second half on a roll, scoring four times in the first nine minutes to take a 6-1 lead. Four of the next six goals would come off of the sticks of the resilient Irish, however, cutting their deficit to just three goals at 8-5 by the 4:03 mark.
Kiera McMullan got the run going with a dashing run to the goal with 13:48 to play. Caitlin Gargan tallied, unassisted, at 12:35, rushing upfield after forcing a turnover. Defense again led to offense at the 9:19 mark when Notre Dame scored in transition. Michele Phillips’ shot was saved but the rebound when to Grace Muller who put home her 11th goal of the year.
Notre Dame scored with 4:03 left in the game when Alex Dalton ran through the midfield and fed Heidi Annaheim for a goal. However, the Seawolves would score the final four minutes’ lone goal and claim the 9-5 victory. Liz O’Sullivan made five saves in the Irish net while Kaitlyn Leahy stopped nine shots for Stony Brook.
Kylie Ohlmiller had three goals and three assists on the night for the Seawolves while Taylor Ranftle scored three times as well.
After playing five consecutive games on the road, the Irish will return to campus on Saturday when they play host to Virginia Tech in their ACC home opener. The first draw is set for noon at Arlotta Stadium.