BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn women's lacrosse team will host Northeast Conference foe Sacred Heart this weekend, welcoming the Pioneers to LIU Field, Sunday, April 14 at 11 a.m. Prior to the game, the Blackbirds will honor the four senior members of the team: Carlie Robinson, Virginia Gibbons, Maddie Shockley and Josie Watson.
LAST TIME OUT
LIU split the NEC opening weekend, beating CCSU 14-10, and falling to Bryant, 14-7. Against CCSU, sophomore Amanda Masullo led the team with six goals, along with four draw controls, while Rachel Masullo had three goals and two assists. Bianca Santucci had two goals and an assists, while freshman Kaylee Riggins had two goals, nine draw controls and three ground balls. Freshman Isabelle Peng had a goal and two caused turnovers, while Elise Person had four ground balls. Keeper Sam Kidd had nine saves and four ground balls in net.
In a tough game Sunday, the Blackbirds had their three game win streak snapped, as preseason favorite Bryant beat the Blackbirds, 14-7. LIU led the Bulldogs for nearly 30 minutes in the contest, but saw a second half scoring surge from the home team give Bryant the win.
LEADING LIU
The Blackbirds have one of the highest caliber offenses in recent years, as Amanda Masullo, Bianca Santucci and Rachel Masullo are all ranked at the top of the league in goals scored. Amanda Masullo leads the way with 37 goals this season, a tally that leads the NEC and ranks 43rd in the nation. Santucci and Rachel Masullo rank fifth and sixth, respectively, with 30 and 30 goals scored so far this season.
SCOUTING THE PIONEERS
SHU enters Sunday's game with a 2-9 overall record, including 1-1 in NEC action. Earlier this season, the Pioneers beat UMass Lowell, 11-8 in OT for their first win of the seasom. After falling to Bryant, 20-8 in the NEC opener, they beat CCSU last Sunday, 15-9.
SHU has three main scorers: freshman attacker and two-time NEC Rookie of the Week Lydia Werlau (22 goals, 5 assists), junior middie Cassie Cesario (16 goals, 10 assists), and senior attacker Hanna Wise (21 goals). Junior Sdyney Ericson has a team-high 12 assists to round out the Pios' offense.
UP NEXT
Sunday's game is the first of three-straight home games for the Blackbirds, as they wrap up the regular season. Up next, LIU will host Saint Francis U and Robert Morris for two games in three days. The Blackbirds will take on the Red Flash, Thursday, April 18 at 4 p.m., before facing off against Robert Morris, Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m.