BALTIMORE– The Notre Dame of Maryland University women's lacrosse team opened the 2024 season with a 12-10 win over Eastern University on Wednesday, Feb. 28.  

The Gators took an early lead, with Jade Stewart and Sarah Generoso each scoring in the first quarter to put NDMU ahead 2-1. NDMU took a 4-1 lead midway through the second quarter when Emily Funez tallied her first career goal.  After Eastern scored a pair of goals, Stewart stuck in the closing seconds of the half, giving NDMU a 5-2 lead at the break. 

Sarah Naje started the second half with a bang, scoring her first career goal to put the Gators up by four. Eastern answered back, closing within one goal midway through the quarter. NDMU responded with Stewart and Emma Alascia finding the back of the net to push the lead to three heading into the final quarter. The teams traded goals throughout the fourth quarter with Generoso and Stewart combining for four goals to secure a 12-10 victory.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Stewart racked up a team-high five goals and won seven draw controls.  

• Generoso was all over the field, scoring four goals, collecting seven ground balls and winning five draw controls. 

• Funez and Naje each posted their first career college goals. 

• Alascia used her speed to routinely clear the ball while collecting seven ground balls, scoring a goal and dishing out an assist.  

• The Gators held a 17-9 edge in draw controls and a 22-19 advantage in ground balls.   

WHO'S NEXT 
The Gators will hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to face Neumann University on Saturday Mar. 2. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM 

STAY CONNECTED 
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.