PLYMOUTH – Senior Kelsey MacDonald had an amazing day Saturday afternoon, recording a season-high six points to lead the Plymouth State University women’s lacrosse team to a 17-5 win over Bridgewater State College in the regular season finale at Arold Field.
Seniors MacDonald, Liz Boddy Meg Cupoli, Annie Pinault and captain Amanda Spadafora all were honored prior to the game for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the team as they all competed in their regular season home game.
MacDonald, who was named the Little East Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, finished with five goals and an assist, caused five turnovers and four ground balls. She is now four points shy of recording 200 for her career.
Plymouth had standout showings from several players that afternoon. Sophomore Cassidy Barry finished with four goals and Cupoli and Pinault contributed with three apiece. Spadafora and first-year Taylor Cambal scored one each, and Spadafora had a team-high two assists.
Senior Alicia Spolidoro and junior Lauryn Seratore scored two goals to lead the Bears and junior Alison Gugliotta contributed with a goal.
Both teams quickly found themselves in a back-and-forth battle. Spolidoro nailed the Bears first goal of the game less than two minutes into regulation. MacDonald responded back only minutes later to tie the game for the Panthers. Bridgewater continued to score goals, but Plymouth answered right back, tying the game three goals apiece midway through the first half.
PSU finally took control of the lead and never looked back. Plymouth went on a 6-0 run to take the 9-3 lead. The Bears were able to score two more goals, but would not score again as the Panthers’ defense went to work. Plymouth took their 11-5 lead into halftime.
Plymouth was able to score six more times in the second half while the Bears struggled to hold on.
Plymouth outshot the beers 30-9 in the first half and 51-17 in the second half. First-year Jessica Cercone finished her busy afternoon, making 22 saves in the Bears’ net. Plymouth junior Suzie Lilakos recorded 11 saves, including seven in the Bears’ scoreless second half.
Plymouth won its seventh straight, completing the record season with an 11-4 overall record and 5-1 in the LEC. Bridgewater had their four-game win streak snapped as the Bears dropped to 8-6.
“It was good,” said head coach Abi Jackson. “We had a little bit of a slow start because Bridgewater was a better team than those we’ve previously saw, but the girls came together.”
Plymouth finished in second place in the Little East Conference and earned a first-round bye in the LEC Tournament. The Panthers hosted the semifinal game on Thursday at Arold Field against the winner of the Rhode Island College/Keene State College match-up.