Latrobe, PA – The Alfred State women's lacrosse team earned a 9–4 road victory over Saint Vincent in its season opener. Head coach
Steve Peed picked up his first win at the helm in his debut, as the Pioneers begin the season 1–0.
Karlee Hargather led the Alfred State offense with four goals, one assist, and four caused turnovers.
Katerina Strong added a hat trick on six shots along with an assist, while
Alaina Gernatt contributed two goals and five draw controls.
Maeve Runyon picked up the win in goal saving 10 of 14 shots faced.
Strong opened the scoring in the first quarter to give the Pioneers a 1–0 lead. Alfred State maintained control early and remained the only team to hold a lead throughout the frame. Saint Vincent responded twice, answering both the opening tally and the Pios' second goal from Hargather, who recorded her first of the season. With just 0:13 remaining in the quarter, Hargather capitalized on a free-position opportunity to give Alfred State a 3–2 edge heading into the second.
Both teams came out sluggish to start the second quarter, with the Bearcats nearly tying the game after hitting the post just 1:02 in. The Pioneers eventually broke through when Gernatt netted a solo effort for her first of the season, extending the lead to 4–2. Later in the quarter, Strong buried a man-up free-position shot to give Alfred State a 5–2 advantage at halftime.
Saint Vincent opened the second half with energy, cutting the lead to 5–3 just two and a half minutes into the third quarter. Alfred State responded later in the frame as Hargather scored twice to complete her hat trick and extend the lead to 7–3 with 4:51 remaining. Two minutes later, Hargather delivered a slick feed to Strong in front of the net, setting up her hat trick goal and pushing the lead to 8–3 entering the fourth quarter.
The Bearcats added an early goal in the final period to make it 8–4, but that would be as close as they would get. Gernatt added her second goal late to seal a 9–4 victory for the Pioneers.
Alfred State returns to the road next Saturday, February 21st, to take on SUNY Poly. Opening draw is scheduled for 1 p.m.
