HAMDEN, Conn. — Seven different Hawks found the back of the net for the Hartford women's lacrosse team, but a dominant first half led Quinnipiac to a 16-9 victory at QU Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium on Wednesday. Hartford, which was led by two goals apiece from juniors Kaitlyn D'Andrea and Birdie Montes, falls to 0-6, while Quinnipiac improves to 2-3 with the victory in its home opener.
 
QUINNIPIAC 16, HARTFORD 9
After falling behind by five at halftime and trailing, 8-2, less than three minutes into the second half, Hartford began to find its rhythm. The Hawks rallied, scoring three of the game's next four goals behind scores from D'Andrea, sophomore Lily Belle Baker and classmate Jessica Harrison to close the gap to 9-5 with 19:05 to go.
 
The Bobcats responded to the Hawks' run, though, extending the lead to seven at 12-5 on three unanswered scores. Hartford continued to fight, as freshman Shannon Tuozzo and Montes delivered back-to-back strikes within a 47-second stretch to slash the deficit to five, 12-7, with 10:04 to go, but the Bobcats held off the late charge by delivering a game-ending 4-2 spurt over the final six minutes of action.
 
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• Montes' two goals tied a season high
• Turning away several shots from point-blank range, sophomore goalie Emma Privitera registered a game-high 17 saves
• Sophomore Arielle Ramirez forced a pair of turnovers to pace the Hawks defensively
• The Hawks capitalized on eight free-position shots
• The ground ball battle was tight, with the Bobcats holding a 26-20 edge
• Quinnipiac held a slim 14-13 advantage in draw controls
• Megan Szawlowksi led 12 different Quinnipiac goal scorers with a hat trick, adding an assist for a game-best four points

 
NEXT ON TAP
Hartford begins a three game homestand on Saturday when it plays host to Radford. The first-ever meeting between the Hawks and Highlanders is for a noon start from Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium.

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