Montclair, N.J. (4/26/23) – The Kean University women's lacrosse team clinched a playoff spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament with an 11-9 win over Montclair State University on Wednesday.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Cougars (4-10, 2-2 NJAC) used a second quarter surge to break a two-all tie and turn it into a 6-3 advantage. Kylie Giordano scored three of her game-high six goals in the quarter.

The Red Hawks (4-10, 1-3 NJAC) turned the momentum in their direction in the third quarter and scored three consecutive goals to cut the deficit for them to one (7-6).

MSU tied things up with 5:52 to go in the contest, but Giordano quickly changed the advantage back to Kean, scoring 11 seconds later to put the Cougars up for good.

Lauren Pluta took a feed from Kat Palaia two minutes later to add insurance.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Giordano finished with six goals and an assist while adding five draw controls and two groundballs. 

Grace Michielli led all players with eight draw controls as the Cougars held a clear advantage in that category (18-5).

Nicole Peters stopped seven shots in goal.

UP NEXT:

Kean faces off against Stockton University on senior day on Saturday at home at 1 p.m.  The contest will decide the third and fourth seeds of the tournament as both the Ospreys and Cougars head into the contest with 2-2 records.