EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — East Stroudsburg University opened its NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Championship run in dominant fashion, powering past Frostburg State with an 18–8 victory Thursday at Whitenight Field. The Warriors advance to the Atlantic Region semifinal, where they will face Slippery Rock on Saturday, May 10.
Offensive Notables
Led by freshman standout
Sadie Kauffman, who turned in a record-setting performance. Kauffman scored seven goals on eight shots, including a perfect 4-for-4 on free-position attempts, and added an assist. With her seventh goal, she broke
Emily Mitarotonda's single-season program record, reaching 101 goals. Kauffman is now just two points shy of surpassing Mitarotonda's single-season points record.
Hannah Schiemer added four goals, including a free-position tally. Jolee Roth recorded three goals and one assist, including two early strikes in the first quarter that helped build ESU's 6–1 lead after 15 minutes.
Campbell Heller served as the team's primary distributor, notching five assists, including three on ESU's first six goals.
Emily Varilla, Ariana Tucci, Lauren Hallman and Sophia Graffeo each scored once, with Hallman and Tucci combining for 13 shots to generate sustained offensive pressure.
In total, nine Warriors recorded at least one point. The team converted six of eight free-position shots—its best mark of the season.
Defensive Notables
ESU's defense held strong, limiting Frostburg State to two goals in the first half and shutting them out in the fourth quarter. Senior goalkeeper Abby Simonetti anchored the defense with 13 saves on 21 shots on goal, posting a 62% save percentage. She came up with critical stops during a third-quarter push by Frostburg to preserve ESU's lead.
Varilla stood out defensively as well, recording four caused turnovers, one ground ball, and a goal.
Alexis Neumen controlled the draw circle with a team-high eight draw controls, creating key possession advantages. Tucci and Mac Maloney were active in the midfield and in transition, combining for five ground balls and four caused turnovers. Maddy Poltrack added two caused turnovers to help halt Frostburg's momentum.
As a unit, the Warriors forced 18 turnovers and held Frostburg to 1-of-3 on free-position shots.
Looking Ahead
With the win, ESU advances to face PSAC rival Slippery Rock in the Atlantic Region semifinal on Saturday. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at Whitenight Field.
