Lacrosse Comeback Attempt Falls Short; Rizzo Nets Seven Goals in Loss to Wagner

(box score)

4/23/06 -- Junior Amy Rizzo (Jackson, N.J.) scored seven goals and added an assist but it was not enough as Long Island University dropped a 15-13 decision to Northeast Conference rival Wagner at LIU Field on Sunday afternoon. The loss officially eliminates the Blackbirds from contention for a NEC Tournament berth.

Senior Chrissie Carleton (Jackson, N.J.) pitched in three goals and classmates Nichole Lopez (Highland Mills, N.Y.) and Jackie McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.) added a goal each.

After trailing 7-4 at the half, the Blackbirds gave up three straight to begin the second stanza and fell behind by six. Four consecutive tallies, including three goals by Rizzo, closed LIU to within two scores (10-8) with 15:02 remaining. The Seahawks countered with four unanswered goals of their own, pushing to a 14-8 advantage.

At the 12:31 mark, Rizzo passed to a streaking Lopez for a score, igniting a 3-0 run capped off by an unassisted goal by Rizzo that cut the margin to three.

The Seahawks’ Heather George found the back of the net with 7:50 showing but LIU would not go down without a fight. Rizzo and McCormick each scored in a 90 second span to trim the deficit to two but it was not enough. Wagner controlled the ball for the final minute of play to seal the win.

Wagner was lead by Darby Biggart with five goals and an assist.

The contest marked the end of the careers of seven LIU seniors: Elaine Bonilla (Pennsauken, N.J.), Chrissie Carleton (Jackson, N.J.), Amanda Childress (Leonardtown, Md.), Ashley Cockram (Orlando, Fla.), Nichole Lopez (Highland Mills, N.Y.), Jacqueline McDevitt (Woodbury, N.J.) and Tina Prickett (Eldora, N.J.).