LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University women's lacrosse team continued its impressive start to its inaugural season, defeating Central Connecticut State University, 17-3 Saturday afternoon. The Broncs move to 3-0 in their inaugural season, while the Blue Devils fall to 0-1.
 
The Broncs were dominant from the opening draw, with six different players combining for 11 goals in the first half as the Broncs built an 11-0 lead through 30 minutes. Toni Gismondi (West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford[VCU]) scored four goals in the opening half, Maggie Hance (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) and Katie Walsh (Marlton, NJ/Camden Catholic[FDU-Florham]) each scored two, and Emily Wesoky (Sterling, VA/Dominion[Wagner]), Elena Bontatibus (Simsbury, CT/Simsbury), and Kylee Garcia (Neshanic Station, NJ/Somerville[FDU-Florham]) each scored once during the half.
 
The Broncs continued to extend the lead in the second half, with Garcia, Gismondi, and Walsh scoring in the third quarter as the Broncs led 14-1 with 15 minutes remaining.
 
In the fourth, Bontatibus, Garcia, and Walsh scored to put Rider up 17-1 before the Blue Devils scored twice to produce the final score.
 
Quotes & Notes
"It was a long day. We had National Girls and Women in Sports Day, some ceremonies, and dealing with the cold. I think the girls showed they're focused, they're ready to go. I can't ask for anything more than being 3-0 going into our next week."
 
"The defense for us was a game changer. That kept us going. Nicole got her first start, played the whole game and came up with some big saves. Defense creates everything, so in that sense, the defense played really aggressive. Offensively, we started a bit slow, but once we started clicking, we're finding opportunities."
– Head coach Evan Mager
 
"I felt a lot of nerves in warmups. I was super nervous, but stepping on to the field, having my defense that I trust, it made it an awesome experience. My goalie coach tells me to touch the ball as soon as possible, so a defender had the ball down low and passed it to me. It just felt good to clear a ball." – Redshirt-Freshman Goalie Nicole Caldarone
 
"It's all about the timing. Most of my goals were assisted, so I have them to thank for that. Just keeping our heads up, and stepping into a new role today. We've been working so hard every day in practice, and I think that's showing on the field with all these goals." – Junior Attack Toni Gismondi
 
- Walsh's four goals keep her atop the conference at 4.7 goals per game and second in total goals scored with 14.
- Nicole Caldarone (Mount Arlington, NJ/Mountain Lakes) made the start in goal and played all 60 minutes, making five saves to earn the victory.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider held a 46-12 advantage in shots and 31-8 advantage in shots on goal.
- The Broncs held a 23-11 edge in ground balls led by four from Walsh.
- Rider won the draw circle 11-10 with Walsh and Hayley Henderson (Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.) each securing three individually.
- Walsh and Marybeth Smith (Macungie, PA/Emmaus[La Salle]) each had three caused turnovers to lead the defensive effort in the win.
 
Up Next
- Rider returns to action Tuesday when the Broncs host Monmouth at 4 p.m.