VESTAL, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Katherine Hunsberger has added yet another accolade to her unprecedented final season for the Binghamton women’s lacrosse program. Hunsberger became the first Bearcat in program history to be selected to play in the IWLCA/Under Armour North-South All-Star Game. Hunsberger will join the North All-Star team on Sunday, May 26 at Cabrini College just outside of Philadelphia.

The event, which is being held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship, is intended to highlight women’s lacrosse and its best collegiate seniors. In a year of broken records and firsts for the Binghamton women’s lacrosse program and Hunsberger, her selection to the North All-Star team is meaningful to both herself and the program.

“I would not have been selected to play with the North All-Stars without the guidance and support of my coaches and teammates, past and present. And I’m hoping that this motivates some of the younger players and displays that the Binghamton program is headed in the right direction and will continue to see success in the future.”

The Cortland, N.Y. native became the first Binghamton women’s lacrosse player to be named to the America East All-Conference First-Team after her team-high 35 goals and 76 draw controls. She also garnered her second straight appearance on the America East All-Academic Team after earning a 3.65 GPA while majoring in integrated neuroscience, another first for a Binghamton women’s lacrosse player.

“We are very excited for Katherine and the opportunity for her to be showcased in the IWLCA/Under Armour North-South All-Star game,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “She works incredibly hard and because of her dedication – has been rewarded with many firsts for herself and this program.”

During her final season in a Binghamton uniform, Hunsberger set the all-time school record for draw controls (152), while breaking her own single-season mark in the same category with 76. In 2013 she also tied her own single-game draw control record of nine twice. Her 83 career goals are fifth all-time in program history.

Hunsberger started all 14 games for the Bearcats and ended the season ranked among the nation’s top 10 in draw controls. She found the back of the net in every game f 2013 and concluded her career on 17-game goal streak dating back to April 2012. The standout midfielder netted seven hat tricks in her final season including four in a row to end the year for a career total of 13.

“Katherine is eager to suit up and compete one more time amidst some of the country’s best talent.  We wish her the best of luck and are proud to have her represent Binghamton on the field one last time.”

“I was really surprised when I found out that I was selected, but definitely honored,” Hunsberger said. “Its going to be a great experience to get to play with some of our opponents’ best players and players that I have idolized for the past four years. It’s truly a privilege to be given one last chance to play with some of the nation’s top players.”

The IWLCA/Under Armour All-Star Weekend will include all-star games for all three NCAA divisions and a reception for the participants on Saturday, May 25. The game time is yet to be determined, but has been tentatively set for 1 p.m.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Senior Katherine Hunsberger made history today, becoming the first-ever Binghamton women’s lacrosse player to be named to the America East all-conference first team and back-to-back All-Academic teams, as announced by the conference Thursday evening at the annual awards reception held on the campus of Stony Brook University, the site of the 2013 Women’s Lacrosse Championship. Freshmen Allie Rodgers and Erin McNulty also garnered all-conference recognition, each being named to the All-Rookie team.

Hunsberger, a four-year letterwinner, finished her 2013 campaign first or second on the team in almost every major statistical category. The senior captain was first in goals (35), points (36) and draw controls (76) and second in ground balls (20) and caused turnovers (10). Hunsberger completed the year second in the conference in draw controls per game (5.43) and seventh in goals per game (2.50).

“I couldn’t be more proud of Katherine being honored by the America East for both her efforts on the field and in the classroom,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “Her relentless dedication to reaching her goals as a student-athlete is unparalleled.  Her contributions to this program are immense and she is incredibly deserving of these accolades.” 

Hunsberger started all 14 games for the Bearcats and ended the season ranked among the nation’s top 10 in draw controls. She found the back of the net in every game of 2013 and concluded her career on a 17-game goal streak dating back to April 2012. The standout midfielder netted seven hat tricks including four in a row to end the year for a career total of 13.

During her final season as a Bearcat the Cortland, N.Y. native etched her name in the Binghamton record books setting the all-time program record for draw controls with 152. Hunsberger surpassed Lauren Wetherell’s (2003-06) total of 135. Her 76 draw controls broke her own single-season school record of 51, which she set last year. Hunsberger also finished her illustrious career fifth all-time in program history with 83 goals. 

As dynamic as she is on the field, Hunsberger was just as prolific off being named to her second straight America East All-Academic Team. Hunsberger maintains a 3.65 GPA as a integrated neuroscience major and is a three-time America East Honor Roll selection. She is just the third Bearcat to be named to the All-Academic team and the first to earn the honor twice.

Binghamton placed a pair of newcomers on the America East All-Rookie team for the second time in program history. McNulty and Rodgers join Ali Castiglie and Lisa Illig (2008) as the second Bearcat duo to earn all-conference recognition in their first year of eligibility. The pair of rookies are the 10th and 11th Binghamton freshman to garner the honor.

McNulty started 10 games in goal for the Bearcats finishing the season with 96 saves. The highly touted freshman from Holbrook, N.Y. led Binghamton with 22 ground balls while causing five turnovers out of net. McNulty was named Rookie of the Week on March 25 after helping the Bearcats halt a 14-game losing streak with a 10-7 win over Siena.

Rodgers played in all 14 games for the Bearcats, getting 10 starts. The first-year player from Baldwin, N.Y. scored 10 goals and handed out three assists for the fourth highest point total on the team. Rodgers recorded three multi-goal games from her midfield position while picking up eight draw controls, seven ground balls and four caused turnovers.

“Erin and Allie are also very deserving of these honors and I hope there are many more to come for these young ladies,” Allen continued. “Both are tremendously hard workers and will be staples in continuing to build this program. They immediately made an impact on the field for us this year and I’m excited to see them reach their potential as student-athletes here at Binghamton.“

Binghamton finished the season 2-12, but picked up its fourth America East victory since joining the league in 2002 with a 7-6 win over Vermont in late March.

STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell 17-6 to No. 10 Stony Brook in its season finale, Saturday afternoon from LaValle Stadium. The Bearcats (2-12, 1-5 AE) were outshot 42-19 by the Seawolves (14-2, 6-0 AE), who will host the America East tournament next weekend after an undefeated conference campaign.

Binghamton was led by Katherine Hunsberger’s four points as she netted her 13th career hat trick while handing out her first assist of the season. The senior captain finished the year with a team high 36 points (35g, 1a) after recording her fourth straight hat trick. Hunsberger ended her career on a 17-game goal streak dating back to last April. Junior-transfer Angela Vespa also scored three goals to collect her second hat trick of the year, as the pair accounted for all six Binghamton goals.

Stony Brook, who is amidst its best season in school history, forced 16 Binghamton turnovers controlling the time of possession. The Seawolves fired 42 shots on Bearcat goalies Kara Pafumi and Erin McNulty, who combined for 13 saves. Hunsberger battled all day with the nation’s leading goal scorer Demmianne Cook in the draw circle, but the Seawolves chased down 15 of the 25 draws.

In the first half, the nation’s best offense (15.87 gpg) raced out to a 5-0 lead thanks to four goals from Cook. Binghamton tallied its first goal at the 16:46 mark as Hunsberger netted her first of the day to end the Stony Brook run. However, the Seawolves netted three straight goals before a free position goal by Hunsberger made the score 8-2 with just over seven minutes left in the first half.

Stony Brook continued to apply pressure on Binghamton going on a 4-0 run to take a ten goal lead, 12-2, at the 2:59 mark of the first half. Hunsberger fed Vespa for her first goal of the day halting the third Stony Brook run of the half, but the Seawolves still led 12-3 at the break.

The Seawolves scored the first two goals of the second half to take its largest lead of the game 14-3 at the 24:46 mark. Vespa attempted to cut the Stony Brook lead under 10 midway through the second half scoring a pair of goals, but Cook and company proved too much for the Bearcats. Stony Brook maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half, cruising to the 11-goal victory.

Hunsberger ended her historic career at Binghamton as the program’s all-time leader in draw controls with 152. She currently ranks ninth in the nation with 5.58 draw controls per game. Hunsberger also upped her BU single-season record for draw controls to 76 after picking up six against the Seawolves. Her 35 goals is the fifth highest single-season total by a Bearcat and her 83 career goals ranks her fifth all-time in program history.

Classmate Kimberly McGeever also stamped her mark on the Binghamton record book finishing second all-time in program history with 58 assists. McGeever set the single-season school record for assists as a junior with 33. Her 121 career points (63g, 58a) ties her for fourth all-time in program history with Leanne Musso (2005-08).

Binghamton completes the 2013 campaign with a 2-12 record, but picked up its fourth-ever America East victory with a 7-6 win over Vermont earlier in the year.

The America East Championship will be hosted by top-seeded Stony Brook on May 3 and 5. The Seawolves will face No. 4 seed Vermont in the first semifinal, while No. 2 Albany will meet No. 3 New Hampshire in the other semifinal matchup.

ITHACA, N.Y. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team produced 11 goals on just 17 shots, but fell to host Cornell 17-11, Tuesday evening from Schoellkopf Field. The Bearcats (2-11, 1-4 AE) netted seven second-half goals, but the Big Red’s (9-5, 4-3 Ivy) six-goal halftime lead was too much for BU to overcome.

“We didn’t get as many offensive possessions as we wanted in the first half,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “Cornell did a good job of limiting us offensively, but I was happy with our shot selection and we did a better job of executing our game plan tonight. We talked all week about competitiveness and I thought we were much more focused on that tonight.”

Seniors Katherine Hunsberger and Kristen Stone led six different goal scorers for the Bearcats with three goals apiece. Hunsberger netted her 12th career hat trick while picking up three ground balls and draw controls. Stone had a solid game defensively as well causing three turnovers while grabbing three ground balls and draw controls.

“Katherine and Kristen played very strong for us on both ends of the field,” Allen continued. “Those two (Hunsberger and Stone) were out there fighting every second they had on the field. With the season winding down I know they are trying to leave their mark on the program, which they certainly have done.”

Down 10-4 at the break, Binghamton saw Cornell’s lead grow to as many as eight as the Big Red opened the final 30 minutes on a 3-1 run. Undeterred by the large lead, the Bearcats embarked on a run of their own scoring five of the game’s next six goals to pull within four, 14-10, at the 7:16 mark.

Stone ignited the run firing a shot past the Cornell goalie in the upper right-hand corner. Freshman Allie Rodgers continued the spurt with her second goal of the game on a free position attempt. Cornell answered with a goal, but the Bearcats quickly responded as Stone circled the crease and shot a low liner past the Big Red goalie. A Casey Bulman free position goal followed by Hunsberger’s third goal of the game capped the Binghamton run.

Cornell was too powerful defensively however, forcing 14 BU turnovers and ending the game on a 3-1 run to deflate any hopes of a Binghamton comeback.

The Big Red chased down 22 ground balls compared to the Bearcats’ 14 (second highest total of season) while winning 19 of the 30 draw controls. Binghamton did force 12 Cornell turnovers and was 12-for-16 in the clearing game, but did not possess the ball enough to complete the comeback. Cornell outshout Binghamton 34-18.

In the first half, Cornell opened the scoring but Binghamton quickly responded with a goal from Hunsberger to even the game at one at the 23:40 mark. The Big Red almost immediately answered, winning the ensuing draw control and scoring 21 seconds later. Cornell took a 3-1 lead with just over 19 minutes to play in the first half, but a goal from Angela Vespa trimmed the deficit to one at the 16:39 mark.

However, every time Binghamton scored Cornell seemed to have a response as the Big Red again won the ensuing draw control and this time scored 26 seconds later. The Bearcats again trimmed the Big Red lead to one, 4-3, on a Sophie Racciatti goal from Vespa with just over 12 minutes to go. Cornell was unfazed however, going on a 6-1 run to close the half and take a 10-4 lead into the break.

Cornell limited Binghamton to just three draw controls and seven ground balls in the first half, which turned into a 20-6 shot advantage for the Big Red.

Sophomore goalie Kara Pafumi started the second straight game in net for the Bearcats stopping six shots.

Binghamton concludes its season on Long Island against league-leading and 10th ranked Stony Brook Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m. Binghamton is 1-10 all-time against the Seawolves.

VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell to visiting Albany 22-16, Saturday afternoon in America East action from the Bearcats Sports Complex. The Great Danes (10-4, 4-1 AE) utilized a commanding 37-12 shot advantage to limit the Bearcats (2-10, 1-4 AE) to their second lowest scoring output of the season.

Prior to the game, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse program honored its eight graduating seniors. It marked the largest class in program history and as a group they combined to play in over 400 collegiate games. Lena Amalfitano, Casey Bulman, Katherine Hunsberger, Isabelle Mahoney, Kimberly McGeever, Kristen Stone, Kristin Pennino and Lindsay Vona all suited up in their home whites for the last time on Saturday.

Seniors accounted for all six of the Binghamton goals, as Hunsberger recorded her 11th career hat trick to lead the way for the Bearcats. McGeever found the back of the net twice, while Bulman netted her sixth goal of the season.

Binghamton raced out of the gates taking a 3-0 lead just 1:38 into the contest. Bulman scored her lone goal 50 seconds into the game on a free position attempt to get things started for the Bearcats. BU then scored back-to-back goals just 13 seconds apart. Stone found McGeever before Hunsberger won the ensuing draw control and raced past the Albany defense for her first goal of the game.

From there it was all Albany however, as the Great Danes closed the half on a 13-1 run. A pair of goals by Jess Antelmi, sister of BU player Rachel Antelmi, pulled Albany within one with just over 25 minutes left in the half. McGeever pushed the lead back to two a few minutes later with her second goal. That would be the last goal of the half for the Bearcats as the Great Danes scored 11 unanswered goals to take a 13-4 lead into the break.

Albany extended its lead to 11 early in the second half before a pair of Hunsberger goals brought the Bearcats within 10. The Great Danes ended the game on a 6-0 run, scoring 20 or more goals for the fifth time in the series’ history. Albany was able to control possession in the second half by committing just two turnovers and not allowing Binghamton to grab a single ground ball.

Sophomore Kara Pafumi got the start in net for the Bearcats, just her second of the year, making nine saves.

Binghamton played Albany fairly even statistically, going 4-for-5 in the clearing game and picking up 13 of the 30 draw controls. Hunsberger had eight of those draw controls to break the school record of 135 held by Lauren Wetherell. Hunsberger entered the game tied with Wetherell and now holds sole possession of first place with 143.

All eight seniors started for interim head coach Stephanie Allen, who was able to gain clearance for Vona after missing the entire year with a preseason knee injury.

Binghamton will face a pair of ranked teams to wrap up its schedule next week, making the quick trek to nearby Ithaca to take on No. 20 Cornell on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. before heading to Long Island to play first-place and 10th ranked Stony Brook on Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m.

BOSTON – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell to Boston University 21-12, Saturday afternoon in America East action from Nickerson Field. The Bearcats (2-9, 1-3 AE) were outshot 46-17 by the Terriers (5-6, 2-2 AE), allowing more than 20 goals for the first time since 2009.

“Overall, we’re frustrated with the result today,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “We had a tough time stopping their playmakers (Etrasco and Mogavero) and they did a good job of taking advantage of our unforced errors. We didn’t take care of the ball which put us behind early and gave us a big hole to climb out of. I thought Erin (McNulty) played well in net, but when you are facing almost 50 shots its tough to stop.”

Seniors Katherine Hunsberger and Kristen Stone led Binghamton with three goals each as the Bearcats tied their highest scoring output of the season (12 vs. New Hampshire). Junior-transfer Angela Vespa recorded a team-high four points with two goals and a pair of assists. With her three goals, Hunsberger record her 10th career hat trick.

In the first half, Boston University raced out to a 4-1 lead thanks to a pair of free position goals. However, Binghamton responded with goals from Hunsberger and freshman Allie Rodgers to trim the deficit to one midway through the first half.

Binghamton remained in striking distance over the next 10 minutes as Vespa, Casey Bulman and Sophia Racciatti all netted goals to pull the Bearcats within two of the Terriers, 8-6, with 6:33 left in the half. However, a potent Boston offense erupted for a 4-1 run to close the half and take a 12-7 lead into the break.

The Bearcats diligently worked to chip away at the deficit, scoring two the second half’s first three goals cutting the Boston lead to four. Stone opened the second half scoring with her second free position goal of the game while Hunsberger also scored from the eight-meter to trim Terriers’ lead to 13-9 early in the second half. However, that would be as close as the Bearcats would get as Boston embarked on a 5-1 to stretch their lead to 18-10 at the 21:44 mark.

Senior All-American Danielle Etrasco led Boston University with six goals and a pair of assists for a game-high eight points. Classmate Kristen Mogavero also scored six goals for the Terriers who are averaging 11.82 goals per game.

Defensively for the Bearcats, freshman goalie Erin McNulty played all 60 minutes in goal making 10 saves for the fourth time this season. Hunsberger also added a game-high seven draw controls to her stat line.

Binghamton was solid in the draw circle (15-for-35) and from the eight-meter connecting on 6-of-7 attempts, but committed 20 costly turnovers. The Bearcats struggled in the transition game completing just 8-of-15 clear attempts.

Binghamton concludes its home schedule next Saturday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. against defending champion Albany on Senior Day. The Binghamton women’s lacrosse program will honor its eight graduating seniors prior to the game.

VESTAL, N.Y. - New Hampshire’s Jenny Simpson scored the game-winning goal as time expired to lead the Wildcats to a 13-12 comeback victory over the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team, Saturday afternoon in a thrilling America East matchup. The Bearcats (2-8, 1-2 AE) led 11-7 with 15:12 remaining, but the Wildcats (4-7, 1-2 AE) closed the game on a 6-1 run to collect their first conference victory.

After New Hampshire evened the game at 11 with 4:26 to go, Binghamton had a golden opportunity to regain the lead on a free position attempt by Kristen Stone with 2:10 left to play. But Stone received a yellow card for an aggressive follow-thru on her shot attempt, giving New Hampshire a man-up opportunity. Freshman goalie Erin McNulty made a big save down the stretch, but Binghamton turned the ball over while attempting to clear.

New Hampshire capitalized on the Binghamton error scoring the go-ahead goal with 1:14 remaining to take a 12-11 lead. On the ensuing draw control, Katherine Hunsberger secured the 50-50 ball and raced past the New Hampshire defense and fired a shot to beat the goalie 17 seconds later. Binghamton won its second straight draw control and had an opportunity to hold for the final shot but Kimberly McGeever’s attempt was saved by UNH goalie Taylor Hurwitz with 16 ticks on the clock. Hurwitz took over for starting goalie Kathleen O’Keefe following halftime.

Hurwitz, at first looked as if she was going to settle for overtime, but then fired a pass downfield to a streaking New Hampshire player at midfield. Hannah Wohltmann received the relay pass from Rachel Nock and then found Simpson inside the fan, who beat McNulty low as time expired for the last-second victory.

Despite being outshot by New Hampshire 34-19, Binghamton’s 12 goals was its largest scoring output of the season. McGeever led Binghamton with three goals and an assist for her eighth career hat trick. Sophomore Alex Fisher recorded her first career hat trick, netting three goals for the Bearcats. Hunsberger, who tied her own BU single-game record for draw controls with nine, added a pair of goals.

McNulty had a stellar game in cage making a season-high 16 saves, while picking up a team-high four ground balls. New Hampshire’s 34 shot attempts were the most the freshman standout has faced this season.

Down 8-6 at the half, New Hampshire scored just 41 seconds into the final 30 minutes to pull within one. However, Binghamton embarked on a 3-0 run over the next 15 minutes to take its largest lead of the game midway through the second half. Sophomore Alex Fisher scored two of her goals during the run which was capped by freshman Marissa Rose’s third goal of the season. New Hampshire did not go away quietly methodically chipping away at the four-goal deficit and eventually tying the game with a 4-0 run to pull even at 11.

In a first half that witnessed four ties and a pair of lead changes neither team built a lead greater than two. Binghamton opened the scoring just three minutes into the game as Stone found freshman Allie Rodgers following a New Hampshire foul to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead. After the Wildcats evened the game at one, McGeever scored her first goal of the game on a scoring dodge from behind the net handing the Bearcats a 2-1 lead with 25:38 left in the first half.

New Hampshire netted back-to-back goals just thirty seconds apart to take its first and only lead of the half at the 19:18 mark. The second of the two goals was a man-up score following a yellow card on Hunsberger. The Bearcats responded however with a 3-0 run to regain the lead, 5-3, with 16:15 left in the first half.

Stone started the run with a free position goal from the right side of the fan. McGeever capitalized on the momentum swing with back-to-back goals sending a pair of low liners past the New Hampshire goalie. The Wildcats did not go away scoring a pair of goals to even the game at five with 8:14 remaining in the half. However, Binghamton closed the half on a 3-1 run, receiving goals from Rodgers, Fisher and Hunsberger to take an 8-6 lead into the break.

Binghamton committed 16 costly turnovers, while losing the ground ball battle 21-10. The Bearcats were efficient in the clearing game going 10-for-11 as they converted three of their five free position attempts. Both teams did well in the draw circle as New Hampshire held a slim 14-12 advantage.

Binghamton has the week off before traveling to Boston University next Saturday, April 13 for a 1 p.m. matchup with the Terriers. The Bearcats pushed the eight-time America East champions to brink last April falling 18-16 on Senior Day.

BALTIMORE – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell to host UMBC 17-9, Wednesday afternoon in America East action from UMBC Stadium. The Bearcats (2-7, 1-1 AE) were outscored 12-5 in the first half as the Retrievers (8-3, 2-0 AE) denied Binghamton’s first 2-0 conference start in program history.

“I thought we played in spurts today,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “We didn’t put together a full 60 minutes and struggled to execute our game plan. I think the game came down to draw controls and possession and we never really possessed the ball enough to score. However, we received solid play from Katherine and Kristen who is starting to help us offensively.”

Senior Katherine Hunsberger led Binghamton with four goals to record her ninth career hat trick. Classmate Kristen Stone netted a pair of goals, while Kimberly McGeever tallied three points with a goal and two assists.

UMBC burst out of the gates scoring three goals in the contest’s first six minutes. Binghamton, who was unfazed by the spurt, answered with a 4-0 run of its own to take a 4-3 lead with 16:29 to play in the half.

Following a UMBC turnover on a free position attempt, McGeever found last Saturday’s hero Alex Fisher for Binghamton’s first goal. Less than a minute later, freshman Allie Rodgers netted a free position goal to cut UMBC’s lead to one. A Fisher caused turnover led to a third straight Bearcat goal as Stone hit McGeever cutting inside the 8-meter to even the game at three. The Bearcats took its first and only lead following a McNulty save, which led to Hunsberger’s first goal of the game.

Binghamton’s lead was short-lived as UMBC won the ensuing draw control and scored 32 seconds later to level the game at four. The Retrievers did not look back embarking on a crippling 9-1 run to close the half and take a 12-5 lead into the break.

UMBC dominated the draw circle in the first half to the tune of a 13-5 advantage and more than doubled Binghamton’s shot production (16-7). 

In the second half, UMBC extended its lead to eight scoring just 45 seconds into the final 30 minutes of play. Binghamton valiantly fought to trim the deficit netting three straight goals to climb within five of the Retrievers.

Hunsberger ignited the scoring run with her third goal of the day and 20th of the season. Stone continued the run, netting back-to-back goals two minutes apart. The senior midfielder scored her first goal of the game off a feed from McGeever and then successfully converted her free position attempt at the 20:57 mark.

The Retrievers responded, as they did all afternoon, with a 3-0 run of their own to push the lead back to eight with 8:54 remaining in the contest. UMBC and Binghamton each added late goals to create the 17-9 final. 
 
UMBC capitalized on 26-15 shot advantage to improve to 10-0 all-time against Binghamton. Alyssa Semones and Kristen Bilney led the Retrievers with a game-high five goals apiece.

The Bearcats were more competitive in the draw circle in the second half taking 6 of the 10 draws, but committed 12 turnovers which enabled multiple UMBC runs. Binghamton was a perfect 11-for-11 in clear attempts and connected on nine of its 12 shots on goal, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a potent UMBC offense.

Freshman Erin McNulty started in goal for the Bearcats, but was replaced at halftime by sophomore Kara Pafumi. McNulty was tagged with her sixth loss of the season after stopping just three shots.

Binghamton returns home to host New Hampshire on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. The Bearcats are in search of their first-ever victory over the Wildcats, going 0-11 versus UNH since joining the America East in 2002.

VESTAL, N.Y. – VESTAL, N.Y. – Sophomore Alex Fisher netted the game-winning goal with 7:42 left to play as the Binghamton women’s lacrosse knocked off Vermont 7-6, Saturday afternoon in America East action from the Bearcats Sports Complex. The Bearcats (2-6, 1-0 AE), who opened league play against the Catamounts (5-7, 0-2 AE), snapped a 10-game conference losing streak. 

“I thought defensively we matched up well with them (Vermont),” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “We went into the game very prepared and knew what to expect and I thought we did a good job limiting their key players. Overall this is a big win for us, but we don’t want to be satisfied. We will keep working and look to continue this success next week at UMBC.”

With the game tied at six, Binghamton began to work through its offense, but as freshman Sophia Racciatti weaved through the fan she lost control of the ball. Fisher scooped it up and fired it past the goalie’s legs netting just her third goal of the season. Vermont won the ensuing draw control, but multiple turnovers down the stretch slowed its potent offense down.

After Vermont took a 4-3 lead early in the second half, it looked as if the Catamounts would extend its lead to two. However, Binghamton committed a foul as Vermont scored, nullifying the goal. Freshman goalie Erin McNulty made a huge save on the ensuing free position attempt to keep the Bearcats within one.

Binghamton took advantage of McNulty’s big save going on a 3-0 run to push ahead 6-4 with just under 20 minutes to play. Senior Katherine Hunsberger started the run with her second goal of the game, weaving through the defense beating the goalie high. A few minutes later Kimberly McGeever fired a free position attempt past the goalie. Fisher capped the run as McGeever found her cutting through the fan to give Binghamton a two-goal advantage.

Vermont did not shy away netting back-to-back goals almost ten minutes apart to even the game at six with 10:09 left to play. In a game that witnessed five ties and four lead changes, the Catamounts were unable to score the go-ahead goal thanks to a stout Binghamton defense that forced a season-high 19 turnovers.

The Catamounts had a chance to even the game late, but a Mas shot sailed high and there was no Vermont player to back it up. Binghamton successfully converted its clear and worked the clock down under a minute before Vermont forced a turnover. However, during the Catamount’s clear attempt Hunsberger knocked down a pass and grabbed the ground ball forcing Vermont’s final turnover of the game.

In the first half, Binghamton got on the board first thanks to a Hunsberger goal at the 25:55 mark. Vermont immediately responded evening the game at one 20 seconds later. The Catamounts took its first lead of the game a minute later, but senior Kristen Stone dodged three Vermont defenders to tie the game at two. Racciatti handed Binghamton back the lead off a free position attempt by freshman Marissa Rose. The Vermont goalie initially stopped Racciatti’s shot, but the ball trickled into the net. Vermont’s Sydney Mas evened the game heading into the break scoring her 141st career goal, becoming Vermont’s all-time leader in goals.

McNulty earned her second win of the season after making nine saves including several crucial stops down the stretch. Charlotte Lyons was tagged with the loss for the Catamounts, who defeated No. 15 Dartmouth in double overtime earlier in the week.

Binghamton had a huge day in the clearing game going 18-for-19, while picking up a season-high 18 ground balls compared to Vermont’s 14. Each team managed 19 shots, but Vermont controlled the draw circle winning 10 of the 15 draws.

Binghamton continues conference action next week as the Bearcats head to Baltimore to take on UMBC. The Bearcats will seek their first-ever victory over the Retrievers on Wednesday, April 3 at 4 p.m.

HAMILTON, N.Y. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell to Colgate 19-8 in a non-conference matchup, Tuesday evening from Tyler’s Field. The Raiders (6-5) held a commanding 39-22 shot advantage to overwhelm the Bearcat (1-6) defense. Binghamton tripled its first half output with six second-half goals, but it wasn’t enough as Colgate answered each goal.

Freshman attack Sophia Racciatti netted her first career hat trick to lead the Bearcats with three goals. Classmate Allie Rodgers and senior captain Kimberly McGeever each found the back of the net twice for the Bearcats.

In the first half, Colgate jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the game’s first seven minutes. Senior Katherine Hunsberger finally got the Bearcats on the board at the 18:45 mark to trim the Raider lead to three. The Binghamton defense began to clamp down on the potent Colgate offense as the Bearcats kept the Raiders off the scoreboard for the next 11-plus minutes.

However, Colgate rattled off five straight goals to push its lead to 9-1 with 2:40 remaining in the half. Rodgers netted her third goal of the season late in the first half to halt the run as Colgate took a commanding 9-2 lead into the break.

Colgate dominated possession in the first half winning 10 of the 12 draw controls, which led to a staggering 23-9 shot advantage. The Raiders defense held the Bearcats to just five shots on goal and a season low two goals in the first half.

Binghamton came out the half looking to control the momentum as Racciatti scored back-to-back goals trimming the Colgate lead to six, 10-4. Racciatti scored her first goal of the game on a free position attempt then weaved through the Colgate defense firing a low liner past the goalie.

However, that would be as close as the Bearcats would get as the Raiders netted four of the game’s next five goals to push its margin to 14-5 with 19-11 left to play.

McGeever worked valiantly to keep Binghamton in the game scoring a pair of goals late in the contest. It wasn’t enough however, as Colgate ended the game on a 5-2 run.

Freshman goalie Erin McNulty, who had nine saves on the day, was tagged with the loss after giving up a season-high 18 goals. Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Jennie Berglin, who gave Binghamton fits in goal all day, earned her sixth win of the season.

Four different players netted hat tricks for Colgate who tied a season-high output with its 19 goals.

Colgate took advantage of the 50-50 balls, scooping up 25 ground balls compared to Binghamton’s 12. The Bearcats were more competitive in the draw circle in the second half after securing just two in the first half, but the Raiders finished holding a 19-10 advantage in the draw circle.

Binghamton surrendered its most goals in a game since falling to Stony Brook last April by an identical score.

Binghamton returns home on Saturday, March 30 for its America East opener against Vermont at noon as part of a men’s and women’s lacrosse doubleheader. The men also opens conference play, welcoming SUNY rival Albany to the Bearcats Sports Complex at 3:30 p.m. Vermont knocked off the Binghamton 12-7 in Burlington last season.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Freshman goalie Erin McNulty was named America East Rookie of the Week after Binghamton snapped a 14-game losing streak last Wednesday, as announced by the conference Monday afternoon. McNulty helped the Bearcats earn their first win of the season, a 10-7 triumph over Siena in Binghamton’s lone game of the week. It is the first weekly accolade for a Binghamton player this season.

“Erin has worked extremely hard to be mentally and physically prepared for every opportunity she’s been given this season,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “This past week she looked like a veteran goalie out there, bringing a spark of energy to the defensive unit and coming up with some big plays.  She displayed sound goal-tending decisions that you wouldn’t expect from a freshman. We look forward to watching her continue to develop her game and giving us consistent play in the cage.”

McNulty, who helped Allen earn her first career victory as a head coach, made 10 saves for the second time this season while holding Siena to just seven goals. Binghamton’s defense put the clamps down on the Saints holding an opponent to single-digit goals for the first time this season. The first-year player from Holbrook, N.Y. also made 10 stops against Canisius on March 2.

McNulty compiled a season-high .588 save percentage (10 saves, 17 shots on goal) playing all 60 minutes for the Bearcats. It was just the third time in five starts that McNulty was in goal for the entire contest. She also produced a pair of caused turnovers and three ground balls against the Saints. McNulty’s has grabbed a team-high 12 ground balls on the year.

The freshman goalie ranks fourth in conference in saves per game (6.83) and fifth in save percentage (.451). McNulty, who played at Sachem North HS on Long Island, is the program’s first-ever top-50 recruit, being tabbed the No. 4 goalie and No. 37 overall recruit of the 2011 class by ESPN.com.

Five Binghamton players have earned Rookie of the Week honors since the program was created in 2002, but McNulty is the first since 2008 when BU all-time points leaders Ali Castiglie garnered the award. Last season, Kristen Stone was named the league’s Player of the Week after setting a new school mark for goals in a game with seven to collect BU’s sole weekly award of the year.

Binghamton’s victory over Siena was its first since defeating Colgate 16-11 at home last March.

VESTAL, N.Y. – VESTAL, N.Y. – Senior Katherine Hunsberger netted a game-high five goals to lead the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team past visiting Siena 10-7 for the Bearcats’ first win of the season, Wednesday evening at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Binghamton (1-5), who never trailed in the contest, snapped a 14-game losing streak dating back to last year and gave interim head coach Stephanie Allen her first career victory.

“It’s a great feeling to see a total team effort out there today,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “This game was all on the girls, though it does feel nice to get the monkey off our backs. I thought we were strong on all levels and played sound defense, especially in goal. The girls really stepped up today and stuck to the game plan.”

Binghamton scored four of its five second-half goals on free position attempts to hold off the Saints (1-7), who rallied from a halftime deficit to even the game in the final 30 minutes. Hunsberger and the Bearcats have struggled from the eight-meter all season, converting just 8-of-28 attempts, but found a successful formula against Siena. Binghamton went 5-for-7 on free position attempts, including a perfect 2-for-2 by Hunsberger.

Clinging to a minimal halftime lead, Binghamton surrendered the second half’s first two goals as Siena evened the game at five. Unfazed by the momentum swing, the Bearcats answered with three straight free position goals. Hunsberger, who netted her eighth career hat trick, scored the first eight-meter attempt as she beat the goalie with a nice stick fake to give BU a 6-5 lead with 22:04 to play. Junior-transfer Angela Vespa and Sophie Racciatti netted the next two free position goals just three minutes apart to extend Binghamton’s lead to three. The Bearcats would not look back from there.

Siena attempted to chip away at BU’s lead netting a goal with 12:36 remaining, but senior Casey Bulman connected on Binghamton’s final free position attempt to push the lead back to three with just over ten minutes to go. Binghamton won five second-half draw controls and the offense was able to chew clock in the final minutes.

Freshman goalie Erin McNulty played all 60 minutes for the Bearcats to pick up her first collegiate win. McNulty made 10 saves and denied both of Siena’s free position attempts.

In the first half, Binghamton jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals by Hunsberger and senior attack Kimberly McGeever. However, Siena quickly responded with a pair of goals to knot the game at two at the 19:52 mark. A 3-0 Binghamton run sparked by a Racciatti goal on a perfect feed from Vespa pushed the margin to three, 5-2, with 5:27 to go in the half. A late Siena goal trimmed the deficit to two as the teams headed into the break.

Siena outshot Binghamton 20-18 and picked up more ground balls (15-14), but the Bearcats dominated the draw circle (12-of-19) to control possession throughout. Each team committed ten turnovers, a season-low for the Bearcats. 

Binghamton travels to nearby Hamilton, N.Y. for a matchup with Colgate on Tuesday, March 26 at 4 p.m. The Bearcats knocked off the Raiders 16-11 at home last year. BU is 2-3 all-time against Colgate.

NOTE: Binghamton’s last victory came at home against Colgate (16-11) on March 21, 2012.

STORRS, Ct. – The recently ranked No. 20 Connecticut cruised past the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team 18-9, Saturday afternoon at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex. The Bearcats (0-5) were unable to stop a Huskie offense that is averaging over 11 goals per game, giving up runs of 4-0, 5-0 and 6-0.

Binghamton was led by a pair of four-point performances from seniors Kimberly McGeever and Kristen Stone. McGeever netted three goals on the day for her sixth career hat trick. She also added an assist to her stat line. Stone found the back on the net twice, while handing out a pair of assists.

The Bearcats quickly fell behind, allowing a 4-0 run to start the game. Binghamton trimmed the deficit to one however, thanks to Stone and McGeever. Stone finally got BU on the board with a free position goal at the 20:26 mark then a pair of McGeever goals cut the score to 4-3 with 16:56 left in the first half. Stone and freshman Allie Rodgers assisted McGeever’s first two goals.

Following a pair of UConn goals to push its lead back to three, BU leading scorer Katherine Hunsberger netted her eighth goal of the season. Senior Casey Bulman again brought Binghamton within one when McGeever found her cutting through the fan for the score. The Bearcats trailed 6-5 with 9:55 left in the first half, but UConn would end the half how they started it, going on a 4-0 run to take a 10-5 lead into the break.

The Huskies continued their run out of the locker room, scoring the half’s first two goals, pushing their lead to seven. Stone and McGeever scored two of the game’s next three goals to pull within six, but that was as close as the Bearcats would get as UConn ended the game on a 6-1 run.

Though the score was one-sided, Binghamton battled UConn in every statistical category. The Huskies only outshot the Bearcats by two, 28-26, while the draw controls were almost even, 15-14. BU committed 17 turnovers compared to UConn’s 16 and stopped eight shots in goal opposed to the Huskies’ nine.

Binghamton’s eight-meter struggles continued however, as the Bearcats converted just 2-of-9 free position attempts. The Bearcats are 8-for-28 on the season from the eight-meter.

Freshman goalie Erin McNulty got the start for Binghamton, allowing 10 goals and making five saves. Sophomore Kara Pafumi relieved McNulty in the second half, giving up nine goals and stopping three shots.

Hunsberger corralled a team-high six draw controls while freshman Marissa Rose scored her second goal of her short BU career.

Binghamton returns home to host Siena on Wednesday, March 20 at 4 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Siena leads the all-time series 4-3, with BU notching its last victory over the Saints in 2008.

VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell to visiting Marist 11-6, Wednesday evening from the Bearcats Sports Complex. The Bearcats (0-4) dropped its second straight contest to a MAAC foe as the Red Foxes (1-4) used multiple runs to pull away from Binghamton midway through the second half.

Senior Kristen Stone led Binghamton with three goals, converting two of her three free position attempts. Classmate Kimberly McGeever chipped in a pair of goals for the Bearcats.

Stone cut the Marist lead to 7-5 with 19:24 to play in the contest following a shot from the top of the fan that beat the goalie stick side. The Bearcats held possession with an opportunity to trim the lead to one, but were unsuccessful converting a free position attempt. From there it was all Marist, as the Red Foxes went on a 4-0 run to extend its lead to 11-5 with just over three minutes to go.

Binghamton began to chip away at the four-goal halftime deficit in the final 30 minutes thanks to goals by McGeever and Katherine Hunsberger. Stone’s goal capped a 3-1 run by the Bearcats to open the second half, but it wasn’t enough as Binghamton was unable to get stops on the defensive end.

After a quiet opening 10 minutes of action, Marist strung together three straight goals in less than three minutes to take a 3-0 lead with 17:48 to play in the first half. Binghamton finally got on the board thanks to a goal by McGeever. The senior captain circled the back of the cage and spun past her defender beating the goalie on the right side to trim the deficit to 3-1 at the 17:06 mark.

The two teams went scoreless over the next 11-plus minutes until Stone fired a free position attempt past the Marist goalie to bring the Bearcats within one, 3-2, with 9:34 to play in the half. The Red Foxes responded however with its second 3-0 run of the half to take a 6-2 lead into the break.

Binghamton continued to struggle from the eight-meter, converting just three of seven free position attempts. The Bearcats battled in the draw circle going 9-for-19, while Marist held an edge in groundballs (11-8) and turnovers (12-7).

Freshman goalie Erin McNulty made her third straight start in net for the Bearcats, stopping six shots and picking up three ground balls. 

Binghamton is off for the next ten days before heading east to Storrs, Conn. for its fourth straight meeting with the University of Connecticut. The Bearcats and Huskies are scheduled for a 1 p.m. draw on Saturday, March 16 from UConn’s George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex. The Bearcats are 0-3 all-time versus Connecticut.

VESTAL, N.Y. –  The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell to visiting Canisius 13-7, Saturday evening from the Bearcats Sports Complex. The Golden Griffins (1-2) used runs of 5-0 and 6-0 to break the game open and exact revenge on the Bearcats (0-3), who beat the two-time defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) champions last year in Buffalo.

“We were looking to carry the momentum from Wednesday’s double-overtime game over to today,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “But we were unable to take care of the little things and failed to execute at crucial points in the game. I thought we played a little rushed and unfocused, but you have to give credit to Canisius for that. Now we have to get ready for Marist on Wednesday.”

Binghamton was led by Angela Vespa, who recorded her first career hat trick as a Bearcat scoring on all three of her shot attempts. Freshman Allie Rodgers tallied two points on the day, scoring one goal and handing out an assist. Seniors Kimberly McGeever and Katherine Hunsberger along with sophomore Alex Fisher each tallied one goal for BU.

In the first half Binghamton got on the board first thanks to a goal by Vespa. The junior-transfer from Onondaga Community College weaved through the Canisius defense and beat the goalie stick side for the 1-0 lead with 25:36 to play in the half. From there it was all Canisius as the Golden Griffins scored the game’s next five goals to take a 5-1 lead into the break.

Binghamton won the draw control battle in the first half, 5-2, but Canisius held a commanding 15-4 shot advantage thanks to 12 ground balls compared to the Bearcats’ four. Binghamton committed 12 first-half turnovers while freshman goalie Erin McNulty made five stops in net.

The Bearcats struck first in the second half as well on a Hunsberger goal less than three minutes into stanza. Canisius responded almost two minutes later to maintain its four-goal cushion. A pair of goals by Vespa and McGeever helped the Bearcats trim the deficit to three, 7-4, with 19:11 to play. However, that would be as close as Binghamton would get, as Canisius embarked on a 6-0 run over the next 15 minutes of play to take a 13-4 lead with 4:53 left.

Binghamton closed the game on a 3-0 run, but the contest was already decided as goals Fisher, Vespa and Rodgers created the final of 13-7. McNulty was awarded the loss for the Bearcats making 10 saves on the day.

Canisius held a 32-17 shot advantage over Binghamton, while picking up 28 ground balls compared to the Bearcats’ 13. After winning the draw control battle in the first half, Binghamton was dominated in the draw circle by Canisius to the tune of a 10-5 advantage in the final 30 minutes. The Bearcats forced Canisius into 16 turnovers, but committed 24 of their own.

Binghamton plays the last of a three-game home stretch when they host Marist on Wednesday, March 6 at 4 p.m. The Bearcats knocked off the Red Foxes 17-16 in double-overtime last year in Poughkeepsie.

Follow Binghamton University Athletics on Twitter @BU_Bearcats and the women’s lacrosse program @BUWomensLax

VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker to visiting Lehigh 11-10, Wednesday evening from the Bearcats Sports Complex. After the Bearcats (0-2) struck first in overtime, the Mountain Hawks (2-1) netted the game’s final two goals, including the game-winner with 1:53 left to play in the second overtime, erasing a four-goal first half deficit. Binghamton had an opportunity to even the contest in the final minute of the second overtime, but a free position attempt by Angela Vespa was stopped by the Lehigh goalie.

The Bearcats, who were in control most of the game, found themselves trailing 9-8 as time winded down. With Lehigh stalling throughout the final five minutes of regulation, Katherine Hunsberger forced a Lehigh turnover and scooped up the ground ball giving Binghamton possession with just over 30 seconds to go. Following an unsuccessful free position attempt by Hunsberger, the Bearcats regained possession then drew a Mountain Hawk foul with 11 seconds to play. Off the dead ball whistle, sophomore Renee Kiviat fired a one-hopper over the right shoulder of the goalie to send the game to overtime. Freshman goalie Erin McNulty made a heads up save as time expired to secure the extra session for Binghamton.

In the first overtime, Hunsberger won the opening draw control, weaved through the Lehigh defense and netted the extra session’s first goal with 2:08 to play. Lehigh corralled the ensuing draw control and sat on the ball for the final shot. Lehigh’s Julie McBrien was fouled inside the eight-meter with 26 seconds to play resulting in a free position attempt. The senior midfielder fired her shot past McNulty for her fourth tally of the day, sending the game into a second overtime. 

Hunsberger led Binghamton with four goals, adding a pair of caused turnovers and ground balls. The senior captain also picked up nine draw controls tying her career-high and BU single-game record. Six other Bearcats entered the scoring column with three netting their first collegiate goals. Freshmen Allie Rodgers, Marissa Rose and Sophie Racciatti all registered their first tallies in a Bearcat uniform. McNulty made nine stops in her first career start, denying the Mountain Hawks from point blank range on several occasions.

Binghamton burst out of the gates starting the game on a 4-0 run, receiving goals from four different Bearcats. After corralling the opening draw, Hunsberger raced down the field and rocketed a shot past the Lehigh goalie to put Binghamton up 1-0, just 23 seconds into the contest. Less than two minutes later, Kimberly McGeever scored her first goal of the year on a feed from Rose. The pair hooked up again less than a minute later but this time it was Rose from McGeever to hand the Bearcats a 3-0 lead with 26:55 to play in the first half. Racciatti netted her first collegiate goal to cap the run for the Bearcats.

Lehigh did not back down however, outscoring Binghamton 5-2 in the final 25:24 of the half. After goals by Hunsberger and Rodgers split up a pair of goals by Lehigh, the Mountain Hawks closed the half on a 3-0 run to trim the deficit to one, 6-5. Binghamton used an 8-4 advantage in the draw circle to take a one-goal advantage into the locker room.

In the second half, Lehigh continued its hot play netting the first two goals of the half and taking its first lead of the game, 7-6, at the 20:32 mark. Binghamton answered with a pair of goals from Hunsberger and senior Kristen Stone to regain the lead with 15:12 to play in regulation. McBrien scored back-to-back goals for Lehigh as Binghamton relinquished the lead for the second time of the half at the 8:14 mark. However, Kiviat’s late-game heroics gave the Bearcats new life.

Lehigh held a slim shot advantage, 27-24, while Binghamton won the ground ball battle 17-15. The Beacats were also more efficient in the draw circle and in the clearing game, winning 15 of the 25 draws and going a perfect 12-for-12 in clears. BU did struggle however from the eight-meter, converting just one of seven free position attempts.

Binghamton plays its second of three straight home contests against Canisius on Saturday, March 2 at 4 p.m. The Bearcats knocked off the defending Metro Atlantic Athletics Conference (MAAC) champions 11-9 at the Bearcats Sports Complex last season.

Follow Binghamton University Athletics on Twitter @BU_Bearcats and the women’s lacrosse program @BUWomensLax

LORETTO, Pa. - Despite holding St. Francis scoreless for the final 28 minutes of the game, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team fell in its season opener to the Red Flash 10-5, on a snowy Sunday afternoon at Degol Field in Loretto, Pa. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but was pushed back due to icy weather conditions.

Binghamton (0-1) fell into a six-goal halftime deficit that it was unable to climb out of during a second half where they limited its host to one goal. The Red Flash (1-1) managed just three second-half shots, but thwarted off the Bearcats’ attempt at a late rally in the final minutes.

“I thought we had a tough time getting going offensively,” interim head coach Stephanie Allen said. “We weren’t able to possess the ball as much as we would have liked and had trouble executing at times. The weather conditions were not ideal, but both teams had to bear them and there were moments where we got out hustled. But we’re going to refocus and start getting ready for Lehigh on Wednesday.”

The Bearcats, who put four different players in the scoring column, were led by senior Katherine Hunsberger’s two goals. The tri-captain, who was denied her seventh career hat trick on a shot that hit the post, added three draw controls and a pair of ground balls and caused turnovers.

St. Francis held a 21-18 shot advantage overall, but the majority of that came during a first half where they never trailed. Binghamton forced 13 turnovers and picked up 11 ground balls, but was unable to get going in the transition game completing its lone clear attempt compared to St. Francis’ 11. Just ten of Binghamton’s 18 shots were on goal.

In the first half the Bearcats fell behind 2-0 before Casey Bulman netted Binghamton’s first goal of the season to cut the deficit in half at the 21:36 mark. Hunsberger netted a pair of first-half goals to bring BU within in one twice midway through the half on assists from Renee Kiviat and Kimberly McGeever.

However, St. Francis scored three goals in less than two minutes to break open a 7-3 lead with 6:19 left in the half. The Red Flash would tack on a pair of goals in the final 1:15 of the half while holding the Bearcats scoreless over the last 12:36 to take a 9-3 lead into the break.

St. Francis dominated possession during the first half holding an 18-11 shot advantage while going 8-for-12 in the draw circle.

Following a Red Flash goal to open the second-half scoring, junior-transfer Angels Vespa netted her first goal as a Bearcat on a free position attempt at the 19:09 mark. A few minutes later Kristen Stone fired a free position attempt for her first goal of the season to cut the lead to 10-5 with 17:20 to play. However, that would be the last of the scoring as the weather hampered either team from finding a rhythm offensively.

Sophomore goalie Kara Pafumi was awarded the loss for Binghamton, while she and freshman Erin McNulty shared time in cage. Each played a half, combining for five saves.

The Bearcats return to Binghamton to host Lehigh in their home opener on Wednesday Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Binghamton is 0-3 all-time against the Mountain Hawks, falling in Bethlehem, Pa. last year 17-10.

NOTE: Binghamton, who is 0-12 in season openers, fell to 4-2 all-time against St. Francis.

VESTAL, N.Y. - New head coach – known commodity. Stephanie Allen was handed the keys to the Binghamton women’s lacrosse program less than a month ago following the resignation of five-year head coach Tony Zostant. A coach who brought Allen on as his first hire when arriving at Binghamton in the fall of 2007.

Since that time Allen has been honing her abilities as a coach after grooming a South Carolina program from the club level to the NCAA’s highest echelon of competition. Her job now is to ease the transition for her 23 student-athletes and in her own words, “turn the corner as a program.”

Allen will not be lacking a wealth of experience and leadership, with a roster boasting 15 returning letterwinners, eight of which are seniors. The first-year interim head coach assisted in the recruiting of all eight of those seniors, Binghamton’s largest senior class since the program began in 2002. Allen will lean heavily upon her senior leadership with the entire group occupying starting roles for the Bearcats.

“What is special about this group is their leadership,” Allen continued. “It’s been great to see them develop over the years and bring an unparalleled passion to the game. They know the game, they have the experience and I can’t wait to see them succeed.”

With a fresh start and a new voice the 2013 edition of the Bearcats are looking to make program history and earn their first-ever berth in the America East Championship in May. Aided by the absence of five-time conference champion Boston University from postseason competition, Allen’s group believes they are ready to breakthrough and zero in on one of the four playoff spots.

“Our goal this year is to make a significant change in the culture of the program,” Allen continued. “Our seniors want to end their careers knowing the program has advanced. It would be outstanding to send them (seniors) off with their first playoff appearance.”

50-POINT SCORER MCGEEVER HEADLINES ATTACK LINE  

Despite the loss of Lis Zuern, the school’s second all-time point scorer and one of two 50-point scorers in 2012, Binghamton returns field general Kimberly McGeever, the other 50-point scorer. The frontline duo combined for 107 of the Bearcats’ 235 points in 2012, the highest total by any pair of teammates in BU’s Division I history.

“Having Kim back to direct our offense is very big for us,” Allen said. “She really helps calm us down and reminds us to be patient in our sets. We do need to become better shooters however, and we are working diligently every day at that aspect of the game.”

McGeever is coming off a career-year where she broke the program’s single-season assists record (33) and became just the third 50-point (23 goals, 33 assists) scorer in school history. The senior captain will have her hands full in her final season however, ushering in two new line mates.

Joining McGeever on the attack line are newcomers Angela Vespa and Sophie Racciatti. Vespa, a junior-transfer from Onondaga Community College, is a year removed from a NJCAA National Championship and first-team All-American honors after leading the nation in assists (17). Racciatti, a 5-foot-10 freshman, has an innate sense to finish around the cage following a career where she netted 117 goals at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse.

“Angela has made a huge impact during our practices and during fall ball,” Allen noted. “Sophie knows how to score the ball and has been a real force out there during some of our scrimmages. She is a tall, solid attacker that has a very unique style of play that is hard to stop.”

MIDFIELD HIGHLIGTHED BY SENIOR PRESENCE

A trio of seniors, who produced 70 goals last season, returns with intentions of inflicting more damage to the scoreboard in 2013. Katherine Hunsberger, Kristen Stone and Casey Bulman represent three-fourths of Binghamton’s midfield line and will be asked to produce similar results.

“We return a great group at the midfield position and they will be relied upon to carry us at moments,” Allen said. “From Katherine to Casey to Alex Fisher, we will need the entire group to step up.”

Hunsberger, who had a breakout season in 2012, netted 34 goals and secured a program record 51 draw controls in her first season as a full-time starter. An America East All-Academic selection, Hunsberger also led the Bearcats in caused turnovers (17) and was second on the team with 26 ground balls.

Stone, another weapon for Allen at the midfield position, found the back of the net 25 times in 2012. The four-year player from Clarence Center, N.Y. set the school’s single game record for goals with 7 in Binghamton’s double-overtime win at Marist last March. Stone also has the ability to create havoc on defense picking up 25 ground balls and causing 14 turnovers.  Her 30 draw controls was second on the team.

“Kristen has been a staple for us the past few years,” Allen noted. “She is a workhorse both offensively and defensively and we will need her on both ends of the field to be successful.”

Rounding out the group of seniors at midfield is Bulman, a local Vestal graduate. Bulman produced 11 goals, 18 ground balls and caused 16 turnovers, the second highest total on the team, last season. Providing quality depth at midfield will be sophomore Renee Kiviat and freshman Allie Rodgers. Kiviat earned America East All-Rookie honors after scoring nine goals while picking up 15 ground balls and 32 draw controls. Rodgers looks to make an immediate impact for BU after netting a school record 252 goals in her career at Baldwin High School.

“Allie is small in stature but has a lot of heart and brings it every day on the field,” Allen commented. “She is fun to watch and has some of the quickest moves out there. She has a ton of potential.”

CAPTAIN PENNINO SPEARHEADS VETERAN DEFENSE

After allowing a conference-high 223 goals in 2012, the Binghamton defense will seek to cut down that number significantly. Kristin Pennino, a three-year starter on the backline, will utilize her 5-foot-10 frame to disrupt attackers. Last year she picked up 14 ground balls while starting all 16 games for the Bearcats.

“We are the most experienced on our backline,” Allen stated. “With the seniors back there directing traffic, we will be in good hands. Kristin has been on the backline the past three seasons and is well-versed in our defense.”

Lena Amalfitano, who played midfield the past two seasons, is being moved back to the defense to provide added agility to the position. The senior has started 28 games since transferring from Louisville prior to the 2011 season, corralling 18 ground balls and causing nine turnovers last season from her midfield position.

“Lena is one of the toughest 1-v-1 defenders we have and possesses a tenacity that cannot be matched,” Allen proclaimed.  “She is an absolute ground ball machine.”

Isabelle Mahoney is another long defender for the Bearcats, as the 6-foot-0 defender begins her second season as a full time starter. In 2012, Mahoney grabbed 11 ground balls and caused five turnovers. Junior Erica Foley and sophomore Rachel Antelmi will supply Allen with depth on the backline.

PAFUMI AND MCNULTY BATTLE FOR TIME IN CAGE

After two seasons of playing with just one goalie, Allen finally has depth at arguably the most crucial position on the field. Last year, sophomore Kara Pafumi played all 16 games for the Bearcats in cage racking up a league-high 970 minutes - knowing there was no backup. This season, Allen brought in reinforcements to help bolster the defense, by way of freshman goalie Erin McNulty.

“Having depth at the goalie position this year is going to make a world of difference for us,” Allen said. “They are creating great competition for each other and pushing one another on the field every day.”

McNulty is the highest rated recruit of the Binghamton women’s lacrosse era, becoming the Bearcats’ first top-50 recruit. She was ranked the No. 4 goalie and No. 37 player overall by ESPN.com following a standout junior season. The 5-foot-7 goalie played for Sachem North on Long Island and will provide plenty of competition for Pafumi.

“Erin brings a different style of play to the mix and the two are very different in their abilities,” Allen said. “We are going to have a tough time making a decision. Erin has brought a very active role and presence to our defense. When she is in cage she isn’t afraid to play a little defense and pick off passes or grab ground balls.”

In Pafumi’s freshman campaign, she stopped 131 shots which was the second highest total in the conference. The sophomore showed resiliency between the pipes playing every minute of every game in 2012. Pafumi and McNulty will battle for the starting position and could share time as the season progresses.

“Kara brings a wealth of experience and has all the freshman jitters out,” Allen said. “She is a crafty veteran and will compete for the position.”

BALANCED SCHEDULE FEATURES SEVEN HOME AND ROAD CONTESTS

Binghamton opens the season on the road at St. Francis in Loretto, Pa. on Feb. 24, but returns home for its next three contests. The three-game homestand features a pair Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) members, Canisius (March 2) and Marist (March 6). The Bearcats knocked off both team for back-to-back wins last March. Canisius is the defending MAAC Champion.

The Bearcats then begin a three-game-in-ten-day stretch two of which are on the road. Binghamton continues its series with Connecticut on March 16 before returning home to welcome Siena to the Bearcats Sports Complex on March 20. BU plays its last non-conference game before America East play at Colgate on March 26.

On March 30 Binghamton opens conference play at home against Vermont then travels to Baltimore to face UMBC (April 3). The Bearcats host New Hampshire (April 6) before heading to Boston to take on the defending America East regular season champions.

Binghamton’s final three games present the toughest stretch of its schedule, facing two opponents ranked in the InsideLacrosse.com preseason poll. On April 20 Binghamton hosts defending America East champion Albany, who was ranked 20th in the poll. Then the Bearcats take a break from conference action to play at Cornell, who spent much of last season ranked. Binghamton closes the season at a revamped Stony Brook program that entered the preseason ranked 18th and boasts preseason All-American Claire Petersen.

“Our non-conference schedule will leave us well prepared for America East play,” Allen concluded. “We had a few tight games that we are looking to change the outcome this year. Conference is going to be a tough stretch with Albany, Boston and now Stony Brook. But we’re looking forward to the challenge and working cohesively towards the same goal and hoping to make a statement.”

Contact: Terrence Lollie (tlollie@binghamton.edu)

VESTAL, N.Y. - The Binghamton women’s lacrosse program held its annual preseason media day Tuesday afternoon to discuss the upcoming 2013 season. Interim head coach Stephanie Allen along with senior captains Kimberly McGeever and Kristin Pennino addressed the coaching transition, senior leadership, newcomers and the potential for a berth in the America East tournament.

Binghamton begins its season on Saturday, Feb. 23 against St. Francis (Pa.) in Loretto, Pa. In last year’s season opener the Bearcats fell to the Red Flashes 16-12 at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Binghamton went 3-13 and 0-6 in league play last season, but returns 15 letterwinners and eight starters. The Bearcats also boast four of their top-five point scorers from 2012 including McGeever (23 g, 33 a), who became just the second BU player to eclipse the 50-point mark in program history while setting the school’s single-season assists record in the process.

Allen is in her first season as the interim head coach for the women’s lacrosse program and took over for Tony Zostant after he stepped down from his head coaching position in January. Allen, a Columbus, Ohio native, has been the top assistant at Binghamton since 2008. Her primary responsibilities have included serving as defensive and midfield coordinator, recruiting coordinator and scheduling and travel coordinator.

Binghamton will be looking to make its first-ever America East tournament appearance in 2013. The top four teams in the conference will advance to the America East Championship with the winner of the tournament receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championshipl The league tournament, held May 3 and 5, will be hosted by the top seed. Boston University is ineligible for competition in the conference tournament resulting from its move to the Patriot League.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team was chosen to finish seventh in the America East preseason poll, as announced by the conference Tuesday. The poll is generated by the conference’s seven head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own team.

Stony Brook, who reached the conference title game in 2012, earned the top spot securing 33 total points and three first-place votes. Two-time defending America East champion Albany and 2012 regular season champion Boston University tied for second with 29 points apiece, with the Great Danes claiming two first-place votes and the Terriers one.

Rounding out the poll was UMBC (19), who garnered the last first-place vote, Vermont (17), New Hampshire (13) and the Bearcats (7). Three of the seven teams will be ushering in first-year head coaches, including Binghamton, who witnesses five-year assistant Stephanie Allen take the helm as the interim head coach.

Binghamton went 3-13 and 0-6 in league play last season, but returns 15 letterwinners and eight starters. The Bearcats also boast four of their top-five point scorers from 2012 including senior Kimberly McGeever (23 g, 33 a) the second BU player to eclipse the 50-point mark in program history.

The Bearcats open the season February 23 at St. Francis (Pa.).Binghamton fell to the Red Flash 16-12 in its 2012 season opener at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

The top four teams in the conference will advance to the America East Championship with the winner of the tournament receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championshipl The league tournament, held May 3 and 5, will be hosted by the top seed. Boston University is ineligible for competition in the conference tournament resulting from its move to the Patriot League.

2013 America East Preseason Poll
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. Stony Brook (3)   33
T2. Albany (2)       29
T2. Boston University (1)   29
4. UMBC (1)       19
5. Vermont       17
6. New Hampshire   13
7. Binghamton   7