WELLESLEY, Mass. - The Hartford Women's Lacrosse team hit the road to match up against Wellesley College and came home victorious, picking up a commanding 17-3 win over The Blue.

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks came off the bus ready to go, jumping out to an 8-0 lead over the course of the first period of play. Junior Katie Graham (Colchester, Conn.) got the scoring party started just a minute and thirty seconds into the matchup. Hartford spread the wealth as well in the period, as seven different Hawks contributed to the eight goals with junior Talei Ricketson (Centennial, Colo.) being the only one to score twice.
• The second period would be more of the same as the Hawks just kept on rolling, scoring four more goals. Sophomore Kate Zonin (North Smithfield, R.I.) took total control of the frame on both ends of the ball, scoring two goals on five shots, as well as tallying a ground ball on defense. The Blue would be able to find the back of the net however, as Amelia Woodard picked up Wellesley's only goal of the half, making the score 12-1 Hartford after 30 minutes of play.
• Coming out of half, the Hawks showed no mercy, sending home five more goals in the third. Hartford continued to spread the ball around as Zonin, Graham, sophomore Jaleen Ruiz (Goshen, N.Y.), junior Lauren Samela (Cheshire, Conn.) and sophomore Brenna Slattery (Wilbraham, Mass.) were all able to pick up goals. The Hawks defense would also hold strong, not allowing a single score in the period.
• In the closing period, Hartford looked to salt away the clock and pick up the victory, slowing down the offensive attack and manning up on defense. The Blue were able to net two goals in the fourth but were unable to climb back, as Hartford was able to take this one by the final score of 17-3.

Post Game Press:
"The win today was just what we needed" said Lauren Samela (Cheshire, Conn.). "The first three losses were a tough way to start the season but now we need to keep the momentum into our game against Keene!"

Inside the Numbers:

• Zonin led the way in terms of scoring, picking up four more goals to bring her season total to seven. Costa, Samela, Slattery, Graham and Ricketson were all also able to pick up multiple scores with two a piece.
• Slattery held it down on defense for the Hawks, picking up three ground balls and causing a turnover in the contest.
• In net for the Hawks, junior Mandi Rivard (Vernon, Conn.) picked up the win, her first on the season. Junior Emily Campbell (Plainville, Mass.) also got some work in net for Hartford, making nine saves in the contest.
• Three different Wellesley players combined to score their three goals in the contest, however Milica Simic led the way with five shots on goal for The Blue.
• Hartford dominated the shots battle, posting 30 to The Blue's 16.
• This win marks as the first of many for new Hawks head coach Jen Fallon.

Up Next:
Next time out, the Hawks will travel to Keene, New Hampshire, to take on Keene State College on March 12th. The first whistle is set for 4:00 PM.

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