The Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team faced a tough defeat as they were beaten 18-9 by the Drexel University Dragons in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament semi-final. The game, held at LaValle Stadium on Thursday, May 2, saw the Pride struggling early, falling behind 9-1 after the first quarter.

Despite the challenging start, Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments throughout the season. Smith commended the team’s growth and achievements, emphasizing the resilience and heart they displayed on the field.

While Drexel dominated the first quarter, outscoring Hofstra 9-1, the Pride fought back in the remaining three quarters, with Drexel only edging them out 9-8. Corinne Bednarik stood out for Drexel with an impressive performance, including nine assists. Allison Drake and Molly Weygand also shined, each scoring a hat trick.

Goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco was a standout player for Drexel, recording 13 saves in the game. Kristen Redding led the Pride with four points, while Lauren Coletti contributed two goals. Despite their efforts, Hofstra couldn’t match Drexel’s early lead, with Cuocco proving to be a formidable obstacle.

Smith highlighted the contributions of players like Kerry Walser and Melissa Sconone, who have been instrumental to the team’s offense throughout the season. Despite being limited by Drexel, both players showcased their talent with crucial goals in the latter part of the game.

With a young team featuring 10 freshmen, Hofstra faced a tough challenge against a strong Drexel side. Despite the loss, Smith praised the team’s efforts and expressed optimism for the future, citing the season as a foundation to build upon for the next year.