LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University women's lacrosse team defeated Akron, 16-12, on Ben Cohen Field Wednesday afternoon. The Broncs improve to 4-3 on the season, while the Zips fall to 4-4.
 
Both sides trade goals early with Selena Carrington (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North [Rutgers]) scoring Rider's first two goals of the contest then finding Katie Walsh (Marlton, NJ/Camden Catholic[FDU-Florham])to give Rider its first lead of the game at 3-2. The Broncs would lead 4-3 after the opening quarter.
 
Carrington would complete her hat trick late in the second quarter, but Akron would score twice in the final 1:14 to tie the game at six entering the half.
 
Tied 7-7, Elena Bontatibus (Simsbury, CT/Simsbury), Carrington, and Walsh would score to put the Broncs in front, but the Zips would counter with a three-goal rally to tie the game back up at 10 entering the fourth.
 
Up 12-11 midway through the fourth, the Broncs would put the game away with a goal by Madison Rothwein (Mount Royal, NJ/Kingsway Regional), then back-to-back goals during a woman-up opportunity following a yellow card from Toni Gismondi (West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford[VCU]) and Walsh.
 
Quotes & Notes
"We had two freshmen step up defensively and put them in shutoffs against one of their better players. Kassidy Yarusso and Addy Haines both did an awesome job as this is not something they have done before. We need to be more balanced on offense, but overall we played a much better second half.  Our draw unit played really, really well which has been key for us. It's a great feeling to get a win in our last home game before heading into conference play." – Head Coach Evan Mager
 
- Rider wins its first-ever meeting against the Zips.
- Jamie Kubach (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter[FDU-Florham]) made the start in net, and played 48 minutes, allowing eight goals and making five saves, earning the win.
- Avery May (Aurora, CO/Grandview) played 12 minutes, allowing four goals and making a pair of saves.
- Carrington led the way for the Broncs with five goals, recording her fourth hat trick of the season, and 11^th of her Rider career.
- Walsh recorded her fourth hat trick of the season, and 11^th as a Bronc, with her four goals.
- Rothwein recorded her first career hat trick, finishing with four goals on the game.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider outshot Akron 37-25, including a 27-19 edge in shots on goal.
- The Broncs held a 16-14 edge in ground balls. Kubach led Rider with five ground balls and Walsh added four.
- Rider held a 22-10 edge on the draw circle. Walsh had 11 to lead the Broncs with Anna Devlin (Marmora, NJ/Ocean City[TCNJ]) securing 10.
 
Up Next
Rider is back in action Tuesday at Vanderbilt. First draw is scheduled for 6 p.m. (5 p.m. local).