University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
6-7, 2-6
James Madison
6-6, 2-1
Panthers Top Dukes in First-Ever Matchup, 12-11
3/31/2026 4:11:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH – Pitt women's lacrosse held off a late James Madison push to earn a 12-11 victory Tuesday at Highmark Stadium, improving to 6-7 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers led 3-2 after the first quarter and pushed ahead 6-3 by halftime with three consecutive goals in the second. Pitt pushed the margin to 9-5 through three quarters before James Madison chipped away to pull within one late in the fourth. A Gigi Leonzi free position goal with just over six minutes to play proved to be the game-winner, as the Dukes scored in the final minute to close the gap to 12-11 but could not complete the comeback.
Avery Moon led Pitt with three goals and two assists. Leonzi added two goals and three assists, while Emily Clemens scored twice, including a behind-the-back goal in the third quarter, and Paige Telatovich added two as well. Kaitlyn Giandonato and Maureen McNierney each chipped in a goal. Molly Cain made 10 saves in net. Aidan Carr won six draw controls on the day.
GAME NOTES
- Giandonato's goal gives her 34 on the season.
- Moon's hat trick give her 26 on the season.
- Clemens' two goals push her season total to 18.
- Leonzi's three assists give her 20 on the season.
- Carr reached 100 draw controls on the season with her fifth of the game, becoming the first Panther in program history to reach the mark in a single season.
- Pitt won its third straight home nonconference matchup at Highmark Stadium.
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to ACC play Sunday, hosting Florida State at Highmark Stadium. First draw is set for 12 p.m. Admission is free for all fans.
For all things Pitt Lacrosse, follow the team on Instagram and X, @Pitt_WLAX.
