NIAGARA UNIVERISTY, NY – The Rider University women's lacrosse team forced an extra session Saturday afternoon, but ultimately were defeated at Niagara, 9-8. The Broncs fall to 4-8 on the season and 0-4 in MAAC games, while the Purple Eagles improve to 5-8 on the year and 3-1 in league play.
 
Niagara was in control early with just a lone score from Katie Walsh (Marlton, NJ/Camden Catholic[FDU-Florham]) breaking up the Purple Eagles attack, as Niagara built a 5-1 lead after the opening quarter.
 
Both defenses tightened in the second until Madison Rothwein (Mount Royal, NJ/Kingsway Regional) scored on free-position shot on back-to-back possessions and Elizabeth Shean (Seal Beach, CA/Los Alamitos) added a tally to cut the lead to 5-4 before a Niagara goal sent the game to the half 6-4.
 
In the third, it was Walsh scoring twice, while the Broncs held Niagara to a single goal, making it 7-6 entering the fourth. Neither side would score for over seven minutes when Toni Gismondi (West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford[VCU]) drew a free position attempt and rather than take the shot, she dished to Anna Devlin (Marmora, NJ/Ocean City[TCNJ]), who would tie the game at seven. Niagara would score to take the lead again, but with just over two minutes to play, Shean ripped a shot that would tie the game at eight. Niagara would get the game's final possession in regulation, but Jamie Kubach (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter[FDU-Florham]) came up with a save in the final 10 seconds to ensure the game went to overtime.
 
The Broncs got the opening possession in overtime, but following a turnover, the Purple Eagles converted with their possession, finding the game winner.
 
Quotes & Notes
"We Continue to take steps forward, but sometimes these tight games are harder to swallow. The defense and our goalies played some of the best lacrosse they have all season. In multiple areas of the field, our freshmen really stepped up and we are seeing their growth. Our focus is to stay positive, keep our heads up, and focus on next week. We have two games with opportunities to be successful and we need to prepare for that." - Head Coach Evan Mager

- Niagara extends its lead in the all-time series to 2-0.
-Avery May (Aurora, CO/Grandview) made the start in net, and played 30 minutes, making six saves.
- Kubach played the final 32-plus minutes, making four saves, taking the loss.
- Walsh led the Broncs with her three goals, giving her eight hat tricks on the season, and 15 as a Bronc.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider finished with a 32-21 advantage in shot, including a 24-19 edge in shots on goal.
- Rider had a 17-15 edge in ground balls. Erin Collins (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan[FDU-Florham]) scooped six to lead the Rider effort with Emma Barborak (Lakeville, MN/Gentry Academy[FDU-Florham]) adding three.
- Rider claimed a 13-8 edge in draw controls. Walsh led Rider with six and Devlin corralled three.
 
Up Next
Rider remains on the road for a game at Sacred Heart Wednesday. First draw is at 3 p.m.