by Charles Lippolis, Staff Writer
Wednesday afternoon marked the last game of the Manhattan women’s lacrosse season as they squared off against the Fairfield Stags.
The game proved to hold strong through the first half, as after falling behind early, the Jaspers battled with the Stags to enter the half two goals behind at a score of 7-5.
Manhattan’s attack was led by senior Kaitlyn Cunningham and junior Darby Nolan, as they each notched two goals, while there defense was anchored by freshman Emma Kaishian, who lead the team with four draw controls and the defense with three caused turnovers. Seniors Megan Yarusso, Claire Roediger, and Stephanie Ranagan also added goals while freshman goal keeper Nikki Prestiano ended with 11 saves.
However, the Stags’ lead was never eclipsed, as Fairfield’s junior midfielder Alex Fehmel went on to notch five goals over her own in route to a 13-8 Stags win. Senior goal keeper Chelsey Sidaras recorded seven saves in the win.
For the Jaspers, it was clear that this was not the season they had worked towards. The team finished with an overall record of 4-13 and was unable to record a win in the last month of the season. Regardless, the team was able to mesh together, and the team enjoyed going to battle with one another game in and game out.
Freshman midfielder Caitlin Murphy was especially appreciative of what the seniors on the team had done to support the squad as a whole. This included anchoring the offense, defense, and midfield on the field, and supporting and guiding the team off the field.
“From the moment I came on campus the girls on the team made me feel welcomed and wanted,” said Murphy.
The seniors (Claire Roediger, Kaitlyn Cunningham, Megan Yarusso, Stephanie Ranagan, and Marissa Acosta) played a pivotal part in the match up Wednesday against Fairfield, but as third year coach Elizabeth Gainer elaborated on, they also were indispensable in the cohesion of the team through the tough times this season.
“They truly know what it means to be a Jasper,” said Gainer Wednesday, reflecting on the time she had with them at Manhattan.
Looking forward, Manhattan can optimistically rely on some of the freshman who have contributed heavily this season to help establish a winning tradition in the coming years. Freshman Emma Kaishian, Nicole Quivelli, Nikki Prestiano, and Molly Fitzpatrick have all competed in 15 of the team’s 17 contests this season.
Gainer felt that this positive is something the program can lean on in the wake of the season. Being that it is her first recruiting class, Gainer is excited to see how her handpicked Jaspers develop as both athletes and women in the coming seasons.
The Jaspers finish the season 4-13 and winless in the MAAC (0-8).