The Stevenson University women’s lacrosse team delivered back-to-back statement victories, overpowering both Hood College and Alvernia in MAC Commonwealth action.
With dominant performances across the board, the Mustangs improved to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in conference play, showcasing a relentless offense and record-setting individual achievements.
In Wednesday night’s 20-5 road rout over Hood College, Stevenson wasted no time asserting control. Kellyann Coccia opened the scoring just over a minute into the contest, igniting a seven-goal first-quarter explosion.
Kara Yarusso fueled the charge with a first-quarter hat trick, helping the Mustangs to a 7-1 lead. By halftime, Stevenson had built an 11-2 cushion, with Ava Treakle, Isabelle VanEmburgh, and Katherine Friedman all contributing to the offensive barrage.
The second half saw no slowdown. Maddie Kline and Olivia Galati added to the tally, while Yarusso and Friedman continued their scoring sprees.
By the final whistle, eight different Mustangs had scored. Yarusso led the effort with seven points on six goals and an assist, while Friedman matched her with a career-high seven points of her own (4g, 3a).
Coccia added a hat trick, and Murray, VanEmburgh, Galati, Treakle, and Kline rounded out the scoring.
Just days later, the Mustangs returned to action and picked up right where they left off, defeating Alvernia 16-5 on Saturday afternoon.
This contest was highlighted by a milestone moment as Kara Yarusso broke the program’s all-time career points record, previously held by Leah Warner.
Yarusso’s second-quarter goal gave her 274 career points (215 goals, 59 assists), cementing her place in another part Stevenson women’s lacrosse history.
Stevenson opened fast again, with Sophia Murray scoring just 33 seconds in, followed by goals from VanEmburgh, Coccia, and Treakle.
Olivia Galati closed the first quarter with a buzzer-beating goal off a VanEmburgh assist to give Stevenson a 5-1 lead.
The Mustangs extended the lead with another three-goal run in the second, including the record-breaking goal from Yarusso.
The Mustangs never looked back, dominating the draw controls and capitalizing on free-position opportunities.
Treakle, VanEmburgh, Galati, and Murray all notched four-point games. Coccia and Friedman chipped in two points apiece, while Murray also led with seven draw controls.
Goalkeepers Anna Johnston and Regan Torbert shared time in the net, combining for multiple stops.
Sophia Murray shared how the team is feeling going into this next game with some revenge on their minds. “I think everyone on this team is ready to get some revenge on York. When we last faced them we played one of our best games ever, and since then we’ve grown so much. We need to stay disciplined and play our game to beat them, and that’s what we plan to do.”
With two commanding victories and a new all-time program leader in points, Stevenson heads into their next matchup with momentum.
They will travel to York College and face in a MAC championship rematch with the No. 8 Spartans. First draw is set against this crucial MAC Commonwealth opponent 4 p.m. tomorrow.
