WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Hartford women's lacrosse team is back in the Conference of New England (CNE) tournament with fresh faces and the still same opportunity at a CNE Championship. 

No. 4 University of Hartford Hawks (10-6 Overall, 7-3 CNE)
No. 5 University of New England Nor'easters (8-7 Overall, 6-4 CNE)

Game Headlines:
The Hawks and Nor'easters after their overtime clash back on April 11th in Biddeford, Maine. Hartford is looking to once again make a run at the CNE title, but will need to handle business at home in the first round against a quality opponent. 

Hartford Headlines:

• At home this season the Hawks went unbeaten with a 6-0 overall record in regular season outscoring opponents 98-31 at the Zook. 
• The offense has been stellar this season with 222 goals (13.88 per game). Hartford also went 53-106 (50.0% success rate) from free position attempts this year. The offense is led by sophomore Kate Zonin (North Smithfield, R.I.) who has a breakout year scoring 65 goals in the regular season to go with 15 assists, Senior Sara Costa (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) followed with 48 points on 33 goals and 15 assists. Junior Lauren Samela (Cheshire, Conn.) follows with 43 points while junior Laurel McIntosh (West Kingston, R.I.) added 37 points. 
• Defensively the Hawks are led by senior Samantha Ciaglo (Colchester, Conn.) who caused a team leading 19 turnovers to go with 24 ground balls. Sophomore Emiley Bussiere (Agawam, Mass.) put together a stellar sophomore year with 16 caused turnovers. Senior Shelby Frashure (Pasadena, Md.) and sophomore Allison O'Donnell (Goshen, N.Y.) will also play important roles in the backline. 
• Junior Mandi Rivard (Vernon, Conn.) has been the top goal keeper for Hartford this season making 101 saves and holding a 9-6 record. 

University of New England Highlights:

• The Nor'easters played better on the road in 2026 with a 6-3 away record. 
• The offense is led Molly Henderson who ended the year with 65 points (37 goals and 28 assists). Sydney Balotin follows with 34 goals and 11 assists. Chloe Ryan and Ella Cloutier will also be players to walk for the University of New England. 
• The defense is led Balotin who caused 24 turnovers with 41 ground balls. Halle Powers is the top defender for the Nor'easters with 20 caused turnovers to go with 22 grounders. 
•  Olivia Ferraro is the top goalie for UNE with a 8-7 record with 127 saves this year with 141 goals allowed. 

All-Time Against Nichols:
The Hawks are 3-0 all-time against the University of New England with the last game being the overtime winner back on April 11th. Each game between the two teams have been separated by five goals or less. 

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ENGLAND:
Originally founded in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), and reconstituted as the Conference of New England (CNE) in 2024, the CNE is an NCAA Division III athletic conference composed of 11 full member and five associate member institutions throughout the New England region. Its membership aims to provide student-athletes with a positive experience in their pursuit of excellence through high academic standards, quality competition, and a meaningful student life. The Conference administers championships in 21 intercollegiate sports.

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