EMAIL THIS PAGE

American Tops Bucknell, Stays in First Place in Patriot League
Riitano scores career high four goals in Eagle victory

March 16, 2002

Gina Riitano scored four goals to lead the Eagles over Bucknell as American moved to 2-0 in Patriot League play.

LEWISBURG, Pa. — The American University women’s lacrosse team won their second Patriot League game of the season today at Bucknell by a score of 9-5. The Eagles were led by freshman Gina Riitano's career high four goals. American moves to 3-3 on the season and 2-0 in league play. Bucknell is also 3-3 overall, but they are 0-1 in league action.

The Bison jumped out to a 2-1 lead on American 12 minutes into the game. Nadia Harmsen responded for the Eagles tying the game just 42 seconds after Bucknell took the lead. Lindsay Carmichael gave American a lead they would not relinquish with her goal at 22:54 in the first half.

Harmsen's and Carmichael's goals were a part of seven straight Eagle scores as American opened up an 8-2 lead 17:37 into the second half. Bucknell made a run at American with three straight goals to cut the lead to 8-5 with 4:10 to play in the game. Riitano scored the final goal of the game with 2:19 left to seal the victory for the Eagles.

Sophomore goalkeeper Laura Randisi had another solid game for American with nine saves and three ground balls. Nicole McCarthy had another outstanding defensive outing, causing six turnovers, picking up three ground balls, snagging three draw controls as well as assisting on a goal.

American returns home for a non-league game against Denver on Tuesday at 3:30. The Eagles next Patriot League matchup is March 23 at Colgate.

Goals: AU - Riitano 4, Harmsen 2, Carmichael, Mincher, Crean; BU - Montefusco 2, Nuss, Raffaele, Hasher
Assists: AU - McCarthy, Copeland; BU - Wright, Montefusco
Saves: AU - Randisi 9; BU - Kallis 9