Gators fall short in comeback bid in Empire 8 opener

Gators fall short in comeback bid in Empire 8 opener

Albany, NY-- The Sage Colleges' women's lacrosse team hosted the Highlanders of Houghton College on Saturday afternoon in the team's first Empire 8 contest. Houghton escaped with the 11-10 win to improve to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the league, while Sage drops to 1-3 and 0-1 in the league.

Houghton held a 7-3 lead before Sage scored six unanswered goals to pull within one goal in the waning seconds of play. Sage scored with five seconds left to play as senior Martine Ianniello (Havre de Grace, MD/Havre de Grace) scored her third goal of the match. Off the draw, Houghton collected a block and Sage was unable to get the tying goal off as time expired.

For the game, Ianiello added three goals and an assist, while sophomore attacker Anne Risler (Albany, NY/Academy of the Holy Names) added two goals with an assist.

Houghton senior Alyssa Strom (Tonawanda, NY/Sweet Home) led the Highlanders with her five points on four goals with an assist. Junior Elizabeth Piszker (Glens Mills, PA/Cardinal O'Hara) added three goals and an assist for the Highlanders.

Sophomore goalie Sarah Olandt (Ocean View, NY/Ocean City) collected the win after making six saves. Sage's junior Jenna Cislak (Poughkeepsie, NY/Arlington) took the loss after making four saves in the first 30 minutes of play with seven goals allowed. She shared time in goal with rookies Carly Plaisance (Bennington, VT/Mount Union Anthony) and Marina Azab (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna).

Sage's senior midfielder Ellen Abbott (Rensselaer, NY/Columbia) added one assist, while collecting six ground ball pickups with a caused turnover. Sophomore Brittany Gage (Pine Bush, NY/Pine Bush) also had one goal with six ground ball pickups and a pair of draw controls to go with her caused turnover for the Gators. Senior Adriana Spucches (Saugerties, NY/Red Hook) added three draws as well, while Sperl also recorded three draws for Sage.


On the season, Sperl has 11 points on nine goals with two assists, while Ianiello has 10 points on eight goals with two assists as well. Overall on her career Sperl is in fifth place in career points with 51, while Ianiello has 43 points and is in 8th place.

The Gators are in action again on March 28 travelling to Utica College for a 4:00 p.m. Empire 8 match-up.