Stephanie Lenhardt tallied five goals and two assists in Westfield’s comeback victory over Nichols. (File photo by Mickey Curtis)
DUDLEY – Sophomore Meg Griffin (Granby, Conn.) racked up 11 points on eight goals and three assists and junior Stephanie Lenhardt (Duxbury, Mass.) chipped in with five goals and two assists as Westfield rallied for a 17-11 victory over Nichols College in non-conference women’s lacrosse action on Saturday, March 22.
Nichols carried an 8-3 lead into halftime; Griffin scored two of the Owls’ three markers in the first half. The second half was a complete reversal of the first half, as the visitors ripped off 13 of the next 14 goals – including 12 unanswered – to move in front 16-9 with 12:20 remaining in regulation. Griffin scored six goals during the run while Lenhardt netted four. Nichols did not get closer than six goals the rest of the way.
Scoring two goals for 2-3 Westfield was Blair Smith. Freshman Brooke Marion (South Hadley, Mass.) potted three goals and added an assist as the Bison slipped to 3-2 on the season. Nichols juniors Talia Hohmann and Erica Antonison each scored twice while freshman goalie Katherine Cotton stopped 13 shots.
The Bison outshot the Owls, 33-30, including 20-9 through the first 30 minutes. Griffin led Westfield in both ground balls (four) and draw controls (nine). Sophomore Mimi Khampaeng recorded 13 saves to earn the win.
Nichols hosts Emmanuel College Thursday at 7 p.m. Westfield State is at Mount Holyoke College Wednesday at 5 p.m.
