Jessica LaPlaca scored four goals, while the St. Lawrence University women's lacrosse team made a second-half comeback to defeat the University of Rochester Yellowjackets 12-7 in Liberty League action on Saturday afternoon at North Country Field.

LaPlaca also added an assist for five points on the day, while Cate Rathnam, Keira Dodd and Neve Ley all scored twice. Caroline Hamilton added a goal and an assist, while Phoebe Spaeth also scored for the Scarlet and Brown. Brigette Gable caused a team-best three turnovers, while she, Ellie Camp and Spaeth all picked up three ground balls. Both Ley and Ruthie Haims both won four draws.

Rochester got off to a hot start, scoring the first two goals of the game, including one on the woman-up. Cate Rathnam stopped the early run from the Yellowjackets scoring her seventh of the season to cut the lead to one. Rochester and the Saints traded goals, giving the Yellowjackets a 3-2 lead after the first quarter.

The Yellowjackets started off the second like the first, building a 5-2 lead over SLU. The second quarter matched the first with three goals for Rochester and two for the Saints, as the Yellowjackets held a 6-4 lead at the break.

St. Lawrence battled back strong in the second half, completely shutting out Rochester in the third quarter, scoring six unanswered goals to build a 10-6 lead over the Yellowjackets.

Rochester ended the run with a goal to start the fourth, but Spaeth and Ley scored the final two for the Saints to seal the comeback win.  



"Our offense played unselfishly and with composure," said head coach Tom Ryan. "Our defense made some adjustments early and got better as the day went on. The team came out of the locker room ready to play the second half and were unstoppable on offense and unbeatable on defense. I am so happy for them, they earned that one."

Gracie Giannettino led Rochester with three goals and an assist, while Erin Esposito picked up three ground balls and caused two turnovers.

Zoe Froimovitz picked up six saves on the day for St. Lawrence, while Isla Ablin stopped 12 for the Yellowjackets.

St. Lawrence finished with a 24-13 advantage in shots on goal and picked up 22 ground balls to Rochester's 17. The Saints also finished with a 15-8 advantage on the draw.

With the win, the Saints improved to 5-7 overall and 3-3 in league play, while Rochester fell to 4-9 and 1-6.

The Saints will be back in action next weekend, as they host Skidmore on Friday, April 18 at 4 p.m. and Union on Saturday, April 19 for senior day at 2 p.m.