Saints Pummel Purple Eagles, 12-3

April 15, 2011

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Siena Women's Lacrosse took a step closer to their second straight MAAC Tournament berth and third in program history Friday with a convincing 12-3 win over Niagara at Siena Turf Field. Deirdre McQuillan netted a hat trick and finished with four points, while Erin Hepper recorded a first half hat trick.

It was another big win for the Saints (7-6, 2-2) who have won back-to-back league games after dropping their first two. Siena now stands a full game clear of both Manhattan and Marist for the fourth and final spot in the MAAC Tournament with two conference games remaining for each school.

After rallying from an early deficit Sunday to earn their first MAAC win at Iona, today's game was never in question.

The Saints scored the first five goals of the game and took a commanding 7-1 lead into the half, never looking back. Siena dominated all facets of the opening stanza, playing a strong possession game in which they out-shot Niagara (2-10-1, 1-4) 17-6 in the opening half.

Defensively, the Saints held Niagara to just 17 total shots and only 11 of which were on goal. The three goals allowed by Siena tied a program record, accomplished three previous times.

Offensively, Hepper scored three of the first six goals and added three groundballs. McQuillan led the way with four points, while Michelle Andreo and Kristin McMillan chipped in with two goals apiece.

Kristin Concordia made eight saves in an impressive showing in goal in which she added team highs with five groundballs and three caused turnovers. Concordia has quarterbacked a solid defensive effort by the Saints over the past two games in which the backline has conceded just nine total goals.

Rianne Farrugia was the lone offensive bright spot for the Purple Eagles, tallying a goal and an assist while Patricia McTiernan stopped 12 shots in net.

The Saints have a quick turnaround this weekend as they travel to Buffalo to battle Canisius on Sunday at 11 a.m.

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