Albany, NY — Russell Sage College's women's lacrosse team hosted Alfred University in the Empire 8 opener for both teams. The Gators tallied their first Empire 8 win of the season as they defeated the Saxons, 13-7 on Saturday behind sophomore attacker Grace Hines (Schenectady, NY/Guilderland), who tallied five goals. With the victory, Sage moves to 4-5 on the year and 1-0 in the league, while Alfred drops to 2-5 overall and 0-1 in the E8.
Sage led 8-2 at the half and despite being held scoreless in the third quarter as Alfred pulled within two goals, (8-6), never trailed in the action. RSC's sophomore attacker Alexandra Queeney (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown) connected for one goal with three assists and a team-best 11 draw controls with a pair of ground ball pickups.
Sophomore co-captain Laliah Espinal (Mastic Beach, NY/William Floyd) added seven caused turnovers with two ground balls and an assist.
Senior defender Alexandra Lettre (Kingston, NY/Kingston) also picked up two caused turnovers and a ground ball, elevating her career numbers to include 99 ground balls which ranks No. 3 all-time. She also stands fourth in career caused turnovers with 55.
In goal for the Gators, senior Madeline Butta (Millbrook, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) made six saves in the match in picking up her fourth win on the season as the Gators have now won three of their last four matches.
Alfred's rookie Amelia Booth (Staatsburg, NY/FDR) had three goals for the Saxons, while sophomore goalie Alyssa Piechota (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) made 16 saves in the action.
RSC is back in action on Friday, April 8 hosting Keuka College in a 3 p.m. Empire 8 match-up. The Gators will honor their 2022 seniors in conjunction with the match. They include Butta, Lettre and graduate performer Caitlyn Lopeck (Valley Stream, NY/Valley Stream South).
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