TEANECK, NJ – The Rider University women's lacrosse team opened its inaugural season in grand style Saturday afternoon, defeating FDU in the Broncs first-ever game, 19-7. The game was the season opener for both teams.
 
The Broncs got off to a quick start with Selena Carrington (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North[Rutgers]) scoring twice, including the first goal in program history as Rider built a quick 3-0 lead. After FDU closed to within 3-2, the Broncs scored three-straight goals, getting tallies from Anna Devlin (Marmora, NJ/Ocean City[TCNJ]), Elena Bontatibus (Simsbury, CT/Simsbury), and Katie Walsh (Marlton, NJ/Camden Catholic[FDU-Florham]) to extend the lead to 6-2 after the opening quarter.
 
Devlin opened the scoring in the second quarter, completing her hat trick and making it 7-2 Rider. After FDU scored to make it 7-3, Rider went on its second 4-0 run of the game, with Carrington completing her hat trick during the rally. Walsh became the third Bronc to complete the first-half hat trick as the second quarter wound down, giving Rider a 13-4 advantage at the break.
 
The Broncs continued to add on to the lead in the second half as Kylee Garcia (Neshanic Station, NJ/Somerville[FDU-Florham]) recorded a goal and an assist during the third quarter as Rider pushed the score to 16-6.
 
Rider opened the fourth quarter with three-more goals, including two more by Walsh to give her a team-high five in the game, to take the largest lead of the game at 19-6 before FDU scored in the waning seconds to produce the final score.
 
Quotes & Notes
"Very excited to bring the first win in program history back home. A lot of players stepped up, as we had eight different goal scorers and eight of the 19 goals were assisted, which means we had a lot of offensive involvement. Everyone was able to step in and play today so to give that experience to the entire team in our first game means a lot since this has been a long time in the making. We are excited to get back to work next week, clean some things up and prep for our next games back at Rider!"
– Head coach Evan Mager
 
- Today's game was the first in program history after Rider announced the sport would be sponsored on a varsity level in August of 2023.
- Walsh's five goals and two assists gives her 204 career points including her two seasons at FDU-Florham and also give her the team lead in both goals and points.
- Jamie Kubach (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter[FDU-Florham]) made the start in goal and played the first 45 minutes, allowing six goals and making six saves to earn the victory. Nicole Caldarone (Mount Arlington, NJ/Mountain Lakes) played the final 15 minutes in net, making two saves and allowing a single goal.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider held a 38-23 advantage in shots and 28-15 advantage in shots on goal.
- The Broncs held an 11-8 edge in ground balls led by two each from Walsh, Brynn Levins (Haddon Township, NJ/Camden Catholic[FDU-Florham]), and Danika Sedivy (Centennial, CO/Heritage[St. Bonaventure]).
- Rider won the draw circle 15-10 with Walsh, Devlin, and Carrington each leading the way with three individually.
- Marybeth Smith (Macungie, PA/Emmaus[La Salle]) had two caused turnovers in the win.
 
Up Next
- Rider will play its first ever home game on Feb. 22 when the Broncs host Saint Francis University at 1 p.m.