A dominant third quarter and a career-best eight points from sophomore Jessica LaPlaca helped the St. Lawrence University women's lacrosse team take down Skidmore 10-5 at North Country Field in Canton, N.Y. on Friday afternoon.

St. Lawrence rises to 6-7 overall and 4-3 in Liberty League play, while Skidmore falls to 6-8 overall and 3-5 in the conference.

LaPlaca recorded a hat trick and five assists, while Caroline Hamilton, Ellie Camp, and Cate Rathnam all put in two goals each and Neve Ley found the net once. On defense, Brigette Gable led the way with three caused turnovers and picked up six ground balls, both team highs.

Hamilton put SLU on the board 36 seconds into the game as she fired one in off an assist from LaPlaca to take an early 1-0 lead. Skidmore was quick to match it off a free position shot, yet the Saints wasted no time taking their lead back when Rathnam found the back of the net for her first goal, followed up by a free-position goal from LaPlaca to grab a 3-1 lead. Skidmore found the back of the net in the quarter once more, cutting the Saints lead to one.

The second quarter remained scoreless until the 10-minute mark, when Ley rifled one in to take a 4-2 lead. Skidmore scored two minutes later to put them back down one, but the Scarlet and Brown kept up the intensity, as Hamilton and Camp both scored to put them up three going into the half.

Lockdown defense in the third prevented the Thoroughbreds from scoring in the third, while LaPlaca found two goals and Rathnam found one to give them the 9-3 lead.

Camp once again scored to give the Saints a 10-3 lead in the fourth frame. Skidmore scored two more goals, but it wouldn't be enough as the Saints picked up the 10-5 win.



"We were ready at the start and made some important adjustments early at both ends," said head coach Tom Ryan. "I was happy with our effort and focus for the majority of the game. They are willing to do whatever it takes, and I am proud to be a part of it."
 
Zoe Froimovitz made six saves on the day, and Isabella Iannone made 11 saves for the Thoroughbreds.

The Scarlet and Brown had the edge in shots on goal (21-11) and caused turnovers (14-5).

The Saints will take on Union tomorrow at 2 p.m., at North Country Field. Following tomorrow's game, the Saints will honor the seven members of the Class of 2025 for senior day.