Stony Brook Women Advance in NCAA Lacrosse Tournament

The last time the Seawolves lost a game, it was to the No. 1 women's lacrosse team in the country, Maryland, in March. Now, they've got a chance to make up for that loss in a high-stakes second-round NCAA playoff game on Sunday. 

The Seawolves have that chance thanks to their 8-6 win over Towson in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday night. 

Defense was their game plan, with goalie Frankie Caridi making seven saves and the Seawolves' overall defense holding Towson to just two goals in the first half. Stony Brook finished with a 22-15 advantage on ground balls. Among the offensive highlights: Amber Kupres scored a hattrick, Janine Hillier had two goals and an assist, Claire Petersen had three assists, and Demmianne Cook totaled two goals, three draw controls and five ground balls.

Head coach Joe Spallina said he's tremendously happy for the team right now.

"It's a big deal to win a game in the NCAAs, it's a big deal to be in the NCAAs," he said. "I'm proud of our kids and the way they played in the second half. Towson is a great team and very well coached. To get a win in the NCAA Tournament is a big deal, and we are excited about the opportunity to play the No. 1 team in the country."

The Seawolves, who have been nationally ranked all season, are 17-2 and have won 12 straight games – a streak it launched right after their 8-3 loss to top-ranked Maryland in March. Stony Brook later broke into the top 10 teams in the country and currently stands at No. 10 in the IWLCA (coaches') poll and No. 9 in the deBeer (media) poll.

Stony Brook and Maryland face off at noon on Sunday; the winner of that game advances to the quarterfinals the following weekend against the winner of the Duke/Navy game.