RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Senior attacker Alicia Psillos exploded for three goals and four assists to lead the Manhattan women's lacrosse team to an 18-2 thumping of Saint Francis (PA) (0-5) this evening in Riverdale. The Lady Jaspers jumped out to a 16-0 advantage by intermission, and coasted to its fourth victory of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Allison Brown anchored Manhattan's (4-1) defensive efforts holding the Red Flash scoreless over the first 30 minutes of action.
The Lady Jaspers got on the scoreboard quickly posting two goals within the first minute of the contest. With 29:47 on the clock, Psillos coordinated the first score with freshman midfielder Phelicia VanOverbeke who finished on a dazzling assist. VanOverbeke connected on two goals and two assists on the night.
Just 20 seconds later, Psillos set up the Lady Jaspers second goal to Tara Convery, and then scored what proved to be the game winner with 27:49 remaining in the half. Sophomore attacker Caralyn Hickey feed Psillos who evaded a Saint Francis (PA) defender and placed one in the back of the net.
Hickey added a goal later in the contest to complement this assist.
Manhattan coasted into the half with an 16 goal cushion thanks in part to a hat trick from Julia Lavelle, and a two goals apiece from Cristina Tarulli, Helen Kerrisk and Convery. Keri Morrison, a sophomore midfielder, also added a goal of her own to the effort.
The Red Flash added a couple scores in the second half courtesy of Valerie Vultaggio and Meg LaMarche, but this proved to be too little too late as Manhattan held strong on its home field.
Lady Jasper attackers Emilia Ward and Ashley McHale added two goals in the second half helping Manhattan to its largest victory of the season.
The Lady Jaspers return to action on April 1 for its non-conference matchup at Long Island. Game time is set for 4 p.m. in Brooklyn.
