WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Hartford women's lacrosse team secured their seventh consecutive in the first match of Conference of New England (CNE) playoffs as well as the first playoff appearance and game in University of Hartford women's lacrosse history.

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks set the tone early with sophomore Madison Olmstead (Wolcott, Conn.) swinging a goal in within 90 seconds of play. The Golden Bears matched with a goal of their own in the following minute, Lyndsey Bunnell got the job done capitalizing off of a man-up opportunity after Olmstead was penalized with a yellow card. The Golden Bears continued to dominate in this opening quarter winning the draw control and putting away another goal right by the Hawks defense, now taking the lead 2-1. The Hawks ripped away the Golden Bears hope for continuing their power in this game by claiming a 6-0 scoring run to close out this first quarter. Goals scored by Olmstead, sophomore Lauren Samela (Cheshire, Conn.), and senior Meghan Smith (Orange, Conn.). Hawks have taken back control 7-2 over the Golden Bears.
• Sophomore Talei Ricketson (Centennial, Colo.) continued to build off of the first quarter momentum sneaking in another goal right after the Golden Bears goalie with an assist from Samela. Hartford goalie sophomore Mandi Rivard (Vernon, Conn.) was a wall in the net blocking powerful shots to keep the score at 2. Smith capitalized on a man-up and free-position shot at 7:45. CNE rookie of the week freshman Kate Zonin (North Smithfield, R.I.) followed Smith's goal with a solo take at net beating multiple defenders and finding the upper right corner, now 10-2. The Golden Bears fought to stay in this game closing out the first half with a goal from Allison Cyr in the final five seconds to keep them afloat, 11-3 behind the Hawks.
• The Hawks scored in the first 30 seconds of the second half as sophomore Laurel McIntosh (West Kingston, R.I.) battled hard finishing on a man-down goal. The Golden Bears were strong in the draw control taking back possession but the Hawks defense continued to force turnovers and errors to win it back. McIntosh knocked in her second goal in a row at 10:42 with an assist from Olmstead to continue the Hawks powerful showing this Saturday afternoon. Mia Celentano tried to fight these Golden Bears back into this game winning back possession all over the field and staying aggressive on attack, matching McIntosh's goal with a goal of her own, 13-4. The Hawks closed out the third quarter with two consecutive goals both by Olmstead to nab their largest lead of the game 15-4.
• It was a team effort this afternoon as junior Kelly Hoxie (Nassau, N.Y.) got in on the scoring action using her crafty skills to slip one in over the shoulders of two Golden Bears to kick off this final quarter. The offensive duo Smith and Olmstead continued to connect for perfect finishes sealing this playoff win for the Hawks. In the final minutes junior Sara Costa (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) capitalized on yet another free position attempt and scored the 18th goal in this game. The Hawks move on to semi-finals to meet their next opponent, winning this first game 18-6 over the Golden Bears. 

Post Game Press: 
"I'm really honestly so excited we got to this point in the season... It shows I've been working so hard on and off the field, during practice, out of practice, on the weekends, it just feels really awesome... We're going to work really hard next week to play against them (next opponent) and take the dub." Said Rivard.

Inside The Numbers:

• Olmstead finished the day with six goals, four assists, four draw controls, with 14 shots, 10 on frame. Smith ended with five goals, one assist, eight draw controls on eleven shots. Mcintosh secured two goals, one assist, two ground balls, and a caused turnover. Costa notched one goal on two shots, two ground balls, and four draw controls. 
• Hartford out-shot Western in every period for a total of 38-21.
• Rivard finished with nine saves on the afternoon.
• The Hawks went an efficient four for five on free position shots.
• Hartford dominated the draw control, with a 16-10 advantage over the Golden Bears.

Up Next:
The Hawks will conclude their regular season on the road this Wednesday April 23rd  to take on Suffolk University at 7:00 p.m. in Boston, Mass.

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