The Stevenson women’s lacrosse team (11-6 overall, 5-2 MAC Commonwealth) closed out the regular season on a high note Saturday afternoon, powering past the Widener Pride (8-9 overall, 4-3 MAC Commonwealth) with a decisive 19-11 victory at Mustang Stadium.
Before the opening whistle, the program honored its senior class with a special Senior Day ceremony, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the team.
The Mustangs wasted little time setting the tone, as Olivia Galati struck first off a feed from Kara Yarusso just over three minutes into play.
Widener answered less than a minute later to even the score at 1-1, but Stevenson quickly seized control. Sophia Murray capitalized on two free-position opportunities, and Katherine Friedman followed with a goal to give the Mustangs a 4-1 advantage.
Although the Pride trimmed the deficit with a goal midway through the first quarter, Stevenson responded with a dominant four-goal run.
Kellyann Coccia, Isabelle VanEmburgh, Galati, and Yarusso all found the back of the net, sending the Mustangs into the second quarter with a commanding 8-2 lead.
Yarusso continued her standout performance by opening the second quarter scoring. Despite a brief Widener surge with back-to-back goals, Stevenson maintained its momentum with tallies from Yarusso and VanEmburgh.
Widener managed to slip one more goal in before halftime, but the Mustangs carried an 11-5 lead into the break.
The third quarter saw a flurry of scoring from both sides, with Widener posting four goals. However, Stevenson stayed a step ahead, answering with five of their own.
Alice Petersen, Yarusso, VanEmburgh, Galati, and Murray all contributed to the offensive onslaught, padding the Mustangs’ lead to 16-9 entering the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Stevenson kept their foot on the gas. VanEmburgh netted her fourth goal of the afternoon, and Vivi Kaminaris added another off a beautiful setup from Lizzy Cohen.
Widener added two late goals, but Yarusso capped off the day with her fifth score, securing the Mustangs’ 19-11 triumph.
Stevenson’s offense was led by a standout performance from Kara Yarusso, who finished with a six-point outing on five goals and one assist. Friedman and VanEmburgh also shined, each notching five points. Galati posted a four-point day with a hat trick and an assist, while Murray recorded her own hat trick to bolster the attack.
On the draw, Yarusso controlled eight while scooping up four ground balls. Murray was equally effective, grabbing seven draw controls and four ground balls.
Defensively, goalkeepers Regan Torbert and Anna Johnston split time between the pipes, with Johnston making a team-high eight saves.
Kellyann Coccia said the team needs to remain focused to get their avenge their loss against Messiah. “We need to focus on our strengths. It’s been a long season and we’ve determined what we’re good at so capitalizing on that is what will get us this win.”
Coccia also said the team is ready to rematch against Messiah and this team is different compared to last season.
“This year is a little different because we aren’t going in with uncertainty. We know we could’ve won the last game against them and we also know how capable we are of beating them this time. We also want to go back to the championship so bad since we were so close last year.”
With the regular season now complete, Stevenson turns its attention to the postseason. The Mustangs will take on No. 2 seeded Messiah in the MAC Commonwealth Championship tournament tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.
