FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2009

Balanced Scoring Attack Leads
WestConn Past RIC, 15-6
Bouwman and Kruczkiewicz Each Nets
Four Markers For Colonials

Providence, RI—Western Connecticut used a well-balanced attack to defeat host Rhode Island College, 15-6, this afternoon in Little East Conference women’s lacrosse action. The Anchorwomen and Colonials were each playing in their first conference contest of the campaign. 

 Freshman Attack Molly Voyer

Five Western Connecticut (3-3, 1-0 LEC) student-athletes registered multiple points as the visiting Colonials enjoyed their largest offensive output of the young season. Junior midfielder Kara Kruczkiewicz (Brookfield, CT) and freshman attacker Jessica Bouwman (New Milford, CT) netted four goals apiece, while senior midfielder Whitney Fairchild (New Milford, CT) chipped in with a hat trick and a helper. Junior attacker Jessica Majeski (Norwalk, CT) netted two markers and handed out two assists. Kruczkiewski scooped up a game-high 12 ground balls, while Bouwman won four draw controls.

The Colonials jumped out to an early two-goal lead in the opening 10 minutes of regulation thanks to a pair of interceptions by Kruczkiewicz. The visitors’ leading scorer converted on each Anchorwomen turnover, finding the back of the net twice. 

Rhode Island College (1-4, 0-1) freshman attacker Molly Voyer (Lincoln, RI) cracked the scoring column in the 12^th minute to put the hosts on the scoreboard. The two teams exchanged goals over the following seven minutes to give WestConn a 5-3 advantage. The Colonials put the game out of reach with five-marker surge to enter halftime with a 9-3 lead. Bouwman and Majeski keyed the run with two goals apiece.

WestConn carried its momentum into the second stanza, as Bouwman completed her hat trick just five minutes into the half. Junior midfielder Emily Conte (North Providence, RI) stemmed the tide with her fifth marker of the season, while freshman midfielder Ashleigh Sullivan (Port Jefferson, NY) struck a minute later to the cut the deficit to 10-5. The Anchorwomen would not get any closer as the Colonials sealed the conference victory by scoring five of the final six goals.  

Voyer paced the Rhode Island College attack with four points, including her first collegiate hat trick. Conte also recorded multiple points with a goal and an assist, while freshman midfielder Jenna Childs (Cranston, RI) added her fourth marker of the season. Conte led the Anchorwomen with five ground balls and five draw controls.

Western Connecticut freshman goalie Mercedes Koehler (Bethel, CT) made four saves to earn the victory (2-0) before being relieved by classmate Jodi Rocco (Brewster, NY) for the final 30 minutes of regulation. Sophomore Hilary Switzer (Woonsocket, RI) matched her season-high with 16 stops in a losing cause.

Rhode Island College returns to action at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 30, when the Anchorwomen host Lasell.

-end-