WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 6, 2023) -- The University of Scranton women's lacrosse team earned its first Landmark Conference title in program history as it defeated Catholic University 17-10 behind a career-high eight goals from junior Erin Reich (Rockville Centre, N.Y. / South Side) on Saturday afternoon. 

With the win, Scranton secures the Landmark's automatic bid to the 2023 Division III NCAA Tournament. This marks the third tournament appearance in program history and the first since 2004. The NCAA selection show will take place on Monday morning at 10:30 AM. 

Reich earned MVP honors after scoring the most goals by a Royal since 2018. The Rockville Centre, NY native also reached the 100 point mark during today's win.

Catholic held a 3-1 lead at the end of the first quarter but Scranton dominated the second, outscoring the Cardinals 8-3 including four consecutive goals to close out the first half. Reich had four goals alone in the second period while sophomore Grace Lane (Long Beach, N.Y. / Sacred Heart Academy) added a pair of goals for the Royals.

The Cardinals still couldn't figure out an answer for Reich as she tacked on two more goals in the third period while Lane and sophomore Molly McCarren (Suffern, N.Y. / Suffern) each added a goal to give Scranton a four goal lead with one period remaining. 

The Royals dominated the fourth period and crusied to a 17-10 victory as Lane added three more goals and Reich scored her eighth of the day. 

Reich converted eight of her ten shots while Lane finished with seven points on six goals and one assist.

Senior Caroline Miller (Huntington, N.Y. / Elwood-John H. Glenn) won a game-high seven draw controls while adding a pair of ground balls. Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Boldis (Merrick, N.Y. / Sanford H. Calhoun) had a strong day in net as she made 10 saves on 20 shots faced. 

The bench was electric all game and helped keep the Royals' momentum going throughout the second half. 

Head coach Chrissy Trescavage's team held Catholic to just four goals in the second half.

Stay tuned to athletics.scranton.edu on Monday morning for more info on the Royals' NCAA First Round opponent.

--ROYALS--