Owls Cruise Past Vikings 18-4 on Senior Night

WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State Owls women's lacrosse team (6-10, 4-1) delivered a commanding performance on Senior Night, overwhelming the Salem State Vikings (8-7, 0-4) 18-4 in a MASCAC game at Alumni Field on Tuesday evening.

Westfield State wasted no time establishing control, exploding for nine first-quarter goals to take a substantial early lead. The Owls maintained their offensive pressure throughout the contest, adding four goals in the second quarter, two in the third, and three in the final period.

Senior Emma Prattson (Tolland, Conn.) led the way with a remarkable all-around performance in her senior night showcase. Prattson continued her exceptional playmaking with seven assists while adding two goals of her own. Earlier this season, Prattson joined elite company by recording her 100th career assist, becoming just the second player in program history to reach that milestone. Then on Saturday, she tallied her 118^th career assist to set the all-time record.

Natalie DeMaio (Westwood, Mass.), who recently surpassed the 200-career point mark, added a hat trick for the Owls. DeMaio has established herself as one of Westfield State's most prolific scorers and is just one goal away from reaching the 200-career goal mark.

Kylie Buchanan (Westfield, Mass.) finished with four goals, while Olivia Hadla (Westfield, Mass.) contributed two goals and an assist along with five ground balls and six draw controls. Arianna Andresen (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) also added two goals in the winning effort.

The Owls' offensive efficiency was evident from the opening whistle as they scored three goals in the first four minutes, with Hadla, Buchanan, and Prattson all finding the net. By the end of the first quarter, Westfield State had built a commanding 9-1 lead.

Senior Mykenzie Black (Hopedale, Mass.) controlled the midfield with nine draw controls while adding a goal and collecting five ground balls. Her performance in the draw circle helped Westfield State secure a 15-10 advantage in draw controls for the game.

Senior Sydney Smith (Dalton, Mass.) earned the win in goal, making six saves to limit the Vikings' offense. Smith, whose strong goaltending has been crucial for the Owls this season, improved to 2-6 with the victory. Fellow senior Morgan Beirne (Watertown, Mass.) also contributed to the victory in her senior night appearance as part of the Owls back line.

Westfield State thoroughly outshot Salem State 34-14 and held a decisive 24-10 edge in ground balls. The Owls were also efficient in clears, converting 14 of 15 attempts compared to the Vikings' 9 of 19.

For Salem State, Jordan Turcotte (Danvers, Mass.) led the offense with two goals, while Kaylee Rich (Danvers, Mass.) and Megan Parthum (Marblehead, Mass.) each added one.

Prior to the start of tonight's game, Westfield State honored their four seniors: Morgan Beirne, Mykenzie Black, Emma Prattson, and Sydney Smith.

The Owls will finish their regular season this weekend on Saturday, April 26^th vs the Framingham State Rams, in Framingham with postseason seeding on the line.  Salem State will visit Fitchburg State on Thursday at 7:00 P.M.

Written by Tom Onorato - Sports Information Intern