University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
4-9 (0-6)
Central Michigan
2-11 (2-0)
11 Different Goal Scorers Lead the Panthers to Lopsided Win
4/2/2024 2:18:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH, PA – The Panthers got a much needed win Tuesday over the Central Michigan Chippewas by a score of 18-3 at a rainy Highmark Stadium.
Pitt scored the first five goals of the morning including a first quarter hat trick from fifth-year Camdyn O'Donnell and one each from freshmen Kaitlyn Giandonato and Avery Moon and never looked back. Central Michigan was able to find the back of the net to stop the Panther run, but the home team responded about a minute later off a goal by Ava Washington to end the opening period with a 6-1 lead.
The second quarter looked very similar to the first with the Pitt offense controlling the game scoring four more goals against only one from the visitors. Senior Maureen McNierney converted the first of the quarter before junior Jenna Hendrickson netted a second quarter hat trick of her own back-to-back-to-back. The third quarter followed an identical blueprint to the first with the Panthers once again outscoring the Chippewas 5-1. McNierney and Giandonato both scored their second goals of the game, while junior Sydney Naylor, senior Emily Coughlin and junior Dylana Williams put their first goals in on the day.
The Pitt defense finished off their strong performance by holding Central Michigan scoreless in the last period of play and the attack closed things out with three more goals. Moon put her second past the goalie, redshirt sophomore Maria Donahue scored her first career goal and freshman Kendall Barnes sent her third in 2024 to the back of the net.
As a team, the Panthers won the draw control and ground ball battles, something that has been a focus of late. Coughlin and freshman defender Megan Sheridan continued their versatile play this season, as Coughlin added three ground balls, one caused turnovers and two draw controls to go with her lone score and Sheridan grabbed two ground balls and caused two additional turnovers. The three Pitt goalies on the roster collectively made 12 saves with an .800 save percentage to anchor the defense.
Pitt will look to take the momentum from Tuesday's win on the road, as they travel to face No. 3 Syracuse Saturday afternoon. Opening draw is scheduled for 4 PM.
