EAST STROUDSBURG – Playing in its first game in 364 days, the No. 10 East Stroudsburg University lacrosse team opened its season in dominating fashion, defeating Frostburg St., 20-4, on Tuesday afternoon at Eiler-Martin Stadium. 

The balanced Warriors (1-0) offense had 10 goal scorers, led by senior midfield Brielle Curtis and freshman attack Emily Mitarotonda, who each found the back of the net four times. Curtis added an assist on the day, for five total points.

Senior attack Bailey McMaster added her fifth career hat trick. Gianna LeDuc and Hana Cicerelle also posted multi-goal games for ESU.

The Bobcats' (0-1) offense was led by Summer Cavey (1 goal, 1 assist), Stephanie King, Erin Bryce and Lilly Stephens, who all recorded  one goal. 

"It was great to be back out on the field today," said sixth-year ESU head coach Xeni Barakos-Yoder. "Everyone has worked so hard to get to this point. It was great to see the team put it all together. We are looking forward to the rest of the season."

The Warriors held strong advantages in shots on goal (33-12), ground balls (18-9), draw controls (18-7) and free position shots (9-5).

US Lacrosse Magazine Division II Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year Tatyana Petteway (1-0) posted six saves and allowed just three goals in nearly 55 minutes of action to earn her 49th career victory.

Despite 24 total goals in the season-opening game, it took nearly seven minutes for the first tally to put on the scoreboard, as Hana Cicerelle was the first Warrior to score in 2021.

ESU built a 6-0 lead before conceding its first goal, almost 20 minutes into the contest. Cicerelle, Emily Mitarotonda (2), Curtis, Gianna Leduc all recorded goals in the scoring surge.
 

The Warriors took full control with a 5-0 surge to take an 11-1 lead at the halftime intermission.

After Frostburg St. opened the second-half scoring 29 seconds into the second half, Emily Mitarotonda responded with her fourth goal of the contest just moments later. The Bobcats fought back with another score, but ESU would notch eight of the final nine goals in the contest to cruise to the 20-4 victory.

The Warriors open up PSAC play on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., when the Warriors travel to Bloomsburg.

NOTE:  The Warriors played at Eiler-Martin Stadium due to ongoing turf renovations at Whitenight Field.