NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Rider University women's lacrosse team earned a victory in the first round of the MAAC Tournament Friday afternoon, defeating Niagara 16-11. The eighth-seeded Broncs improve to 8-9 on the year. The fifth-seeded Purple Eagles wrap up the season at 7-11.
 
The Broncs were in control early on goals from Selena Carrington (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North [Rutgers]), Katie Walsh (Marlton, NJ/Camden Catholic[FDU-Florham]), and Madison Rothwein (Mount Royal, NJ/Kingsway Regional). Niagara would close to within one at 3-2, but Carrington and Rothwein would respond with back-to-back goals to put Rider in front 5-2 and the Broncs would lead 5-4 after the opening quarter.
 
After a tally from Walsh, the Purple Eagles would score twice in just 10 seconds to even the score, but Rider would respond with Anna Devlin (Marmora, NJ/Ocean City[TCNJ]) breaking ties at 6-6 and 7-7 to keep Rider in front by one at the break.
 
After Niagara scored to tie the game 8-8 early in the third, the Broncs made the game's decisive run, scoring the final four goals of the third period and first two of the fourth, including a natural hat trick by Elena Bontatibus (Simsbury, CT/Simsbury). The Broncs controlled possession for a majority of the rest of the contest to secure the win.
 
Quotes & Notes
"It's super exciting. First-ever playoff game and win. We travelled well, the team was excited, and we were able to go up early and keep control throughout. Niagara is a great team, and every game they play, they never stop fighting. We played an outstanding second half, and Jamie stood on her made and made a bunch of stop. The momentum from getting stops is what propels our defense. And shout out to Marissa. The last time we played Niagara, she didn't have her best game, but today she proved her ability and where she stands in the conference."
 
"We were a little disappointed with the last goal we allowed in the first half, and we came out and wanted to make a statement. We were really focused and understood we needed to keep control of the game. As we started to spread out the lead, you could feel the comfort. We were able to utilize our time outs, and keep momentum. Last time we played them, we had to chase the entire game, and we wanted them to have to be chasing us." – Head Coach Evan Mager
 
"There's always going to be nerves, but then again there's nothing to lose. You have to keep going in the playoffs. You got to give everything you got. The first time we played them, we were a totally different team, but the last four games we stepped it up and showed the team we knew we could've been all year." – Redshirt Junior Attack Katie Walsh
 
"This just shows where we are as a program. We're here to fight and keep going. Being a second-year program, and advancing in the playoffs sets an example for the incoming class of the bar that is set for this program moving forward. Individually, I know I can't be perfect, but I was just able to have a mental reset and make the next save and earn the win." – Redshirt Junior Goalie Jamie Kubach
 
- The Broncs earn their first win ever over Niagara with the Purple Eagles leading the all-time series 2-1. Rider also earns their first-ever MAAC Tournament win in just its second season as a program.
- Jamie Kubach (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter[FDU-Florham]) got the start in net, playing all 60 minutes, and making 11 saves to earn the win.
- Walsh led the Broncs with five goals for her 11^th hat trick of the season, and her 18^th as Bronc. - Bontatibus recorded her fifth hat trick of the season and sixth of her career, scoring four times in the game.
- Devlin added three goals for her third hat trick of the year and fifth as a Bronc.
- Toni Gismondi (West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford[VCU]) set a career-high and program record with six assists.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider finished with a 32-27 edge and shots, but both teams finished with 22 shots on goal.
- The Purple Eagles held a 23-14 edge in ground balls. Kubach, Carrington, and Emma Barborak (Lakeville, MN/Gentry Academy[FDU-Florham]) each had two to lead Rider.
- Rider claimed a 21-9 advantage on the draw circle. Marissa Ross (Reisterstown, MD/Beth Tfiloh[FDU-Florham]) had 11 to lead the Broncs. Walsh added six.
 
Up Next
The Broncs advance to Sunday's MAAC Quarterfinal, when the Broncs will face fourth-seeded Iona at 12 p.m.