NEWTON, Mass. – The Colby-Sawyer women's lacrosse team were victorious in their Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) debut picking up a 15-8 win over Lasell University.

Rapid Recap: 

• The Lasers picked up the first goal of the game, but the Chargers answered quickly as first year Heather Hanson (Marston Mills, Mass.) picked up her sixth goal of the year finishing a shot from first year Sophia Kuhlthau (Cheshire, Conn.) only 35 seconds after Lasell took the lead. The Chargers took the lead as junior Sydney Stevens (Laconia, N.H.) finished home her first goal of the year on a Hanson feed. The Lasers tallied their second goal of the game, but Colby-Sawyer finished the first quarter with a three-straight scores highlighted by a pair of goals by senior Caroline Tompkins (Marblehead, Mass.). 
• The Chargers continued to roll in the second quarter scoring five-straight to finish off the 8-0 spurt of offense as Hanson put home two more goals, while Tompkins, Stevens and junior Hannah Marquis (Weare, N.H.) each added a goal of their own. Lasell retaliated with a pair of goals which was halted quickly by Hanson's fourth goal of the game to end the half with the Chargers leading 11-4.
• The second half started similar to the first half as Lasell scored the opening goal looking to find the momentum. The Chargers countered with back-to-back-to-back goals in a 1:45 minute span led by sophomore Olivia Romo (Marlboro, Vt.) who registered a goal and an assist, while Tompkins and Stevens each put home their third goal of the evening. The Lasers responded with two-straight goals to end the quarter trying to make a last ditch effort trailing 14-7.  
• The fourth quarter was a defensive battle as first year goalie AJ Paton (Exeter, N.H.) made three saves, while only allowing a single goal in the fourth. Stevens continued her return to lacrosse action by ending the game with her fourth goal of the day to finish off the 15-8 victory.

Player Spotlight:

"Lasell was a big team to have as our first GNAC game", said senior Caroline Tompkins (Marblehead, Mass.). "We have been working hard on movement on attack and pressure in the midfield. I think today our speed and composure made us successful on the field. There is so much potential this season with a lot of new talent to continue to develop over the season." Tompkins has thrived so far this season playing in her new midfield position, which was highlighted today when she scored a career-high four goals. "Coming in my first year I was a low defender and now I am in a leadership position in the midfield. It has been an adjustment for me, but I have to credit my teammates for my success during practice and games. I am learning just as much from them as they are from me."

Notes & Notables:

• Tompkins put together an all-around effort to go with the four goals, picking up seven ground balls and causing three turnovers. Hanson added a stellar performance with four goals, four assists, four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Stevens also fired home four goals, while also dishing one assist and causing a team-high four turnovers in her first game since coming back from women's basketball season. 
• Romo scored her second goal of the season to go along with three more assists, while Marquis and Kuhlthau each added a goal, with Marquis collecting three ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers and Kuhlthau picking up four ground balls and causing three more turnovers. 
• Paton continues to impress in the net with 11 more saves as she moves to 2-0 on the young season.

Up next:
The Colby-Sawyer women's lacrosse team will have their home-opener on Saturday as the Chargers host Fitchburg State University at Sally Shaw Veitch Field at 1:00 PM.

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