Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's lacrosse team earned a hard-fought home victory on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Russell Sage by an 11–7 final. After a tightly contested first half, the Wildcats used a dominant third quarter to pull away and secure the win. With the victory, SUNY Poly improves to 3-11 on the season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Russell Sage controlled much of the early tempo in the opening quarter, applying pressure in the offensive zone and capitalizing on possession opportunities. However, it was SUNY Poly that struck first, as Katelynn Truax found the back of the net off an assist from Makenzie Pierce midway through the period. Sage responded with a pair of goals from Gianna Geraci, including a late tally in the final minute, to take a 2–1 lead into the second quarter.

The Wildcats answered quickly in the second, with Brinley Ronan scoring off a feed from Alyssa Hawkins to even the score at 2–2. Both teams traded possessions and defensive stops throughout the period, with goalkeepers Rebecca Thomas and Keegan Long making key saves. SUNY Poly regained the lead on a free-position goal from Madyn LaFleur, but Sage responded once again in the closing seconds as Geraci netted her third of the game, sending the teams into halftime tied at 3–3.

SUNY Poly took control in the third quarter with an explosive offensive stretch. Ronan opened the scoring early, followed by back-to-back goals from Hawkins and Lilly Hargarther to quickly build a multi-goal advantage. Despite a brief Sage response, the Wildcats continued to dominate possession and capitalize on their chances. Additional goals from Ronan, Makenzie Pierce, and Hawkins fueled a 6–1 run in the quarter, giving SUNY Poly a commanding 9–4 lead heading into the final period.

In the fourth, Sage attempted to rally, cutting into the deficit with a goal from Mackenna Huestis and two more tallies from Geraci. SUNY Poly, however, maintained composure and responded at key moments. Hawkins added another goal, and LaFleur converted on a man-up opportunity off a pass from Truax to extend the lead. The Wildcats' defense, anchored by Thomas in goal, made several crucial saves down the stretch to preserve the advantage.

SUNY Poly closed out the contest with disciplined play on both ends, securing the 11–7 victory behind a balanced offensive effort and strong second-half execution.