The Ramapo College women’s lacrosse team started their season with an impressive 2-0 record, picking up two big wins against Wilkes University and King’s College.
In their season opener, the Roadrunners secured a commanding 13-2 win over visiting Wilkes University. Ramapo came out strong on defense, holding Wilkes scoreless for the entire first half while building a 4-0 lead. In the third quarter, the Roadrunners scored eight goals to widen their lead, and added one more in the fourth. Wilkes managed to find the net twice late in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Ramapo’s strong performance.
Leading the way was junior Erin Smeilus, scoring four goals and collecting one assist, totaling five points for Ramapo. Graduate student Esme Espinosa contributed three goals and a team-high four assists, putting seven points up on the board. Freshman Kassidy Baez made a memorable debut, scoring her first career goal in the second quarter and finishing with two goals overall. Juniors Leah Whitney and Bethany Glaser each recorded two goals and one assist, while senior Lauren Travaglini added two assists and three caused turnovers.
Defensively, sophomore Daniella Indomenico made three saves in 34:59 minutes of play before senior Alyssa Curto took over, recording two saves in the final 25:01. Wilkes’ Brooklyn Pedana scored both of her team’s goals in the fourth quarter, and goalkeeper Brooklynn Donia collected seven saves.
Continuing their early-season success, the Roadrunners defeated King’s College 15-5 on the road. Ramapo scored first with an unassisted goal by Travaglini. King’s College kept it close in the beginning, even tying the game at 5-5 after scoring three straight goals. But Ramapo responded fast, scoring three more times before halftime to take an 8-5 lead.
Ramapo maintained momentum in the second half, scoring all three goals in the third quarter and adding four more in the fourth. Glaser was the standout player, scoring five goals, providing one assist and leading the team with six caused turnovers. Baez and Smeilus each recorded three goals, while Espinosa added two goals and two assists. Defensively, freshman Ashley Czeczuga and junior Kristina McClain each collected five ground balls, while Whitney recorded four caused turnovers.
Goalkeeper Indomenico made five saves to secure the win, while King’s College’s Alyssa Reeber tallied six saves in the loss.
The Roadrunners are starting the season off with a perfect 2-0 record. Ramapo returns to action at home against Maritime College on Saturday, March 1 for a non-conference game at 1 p.m.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Ramapo Athletics
