Despite trailing at halftime and conceding double-digit goals to a Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opponent for the first time this season, the No. 19 Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team put on a third-period masterclass on both sides of the ball to extend the longest winning streak over conference opponents across all NCAA Division I sports.
After taking down Elon, the Seawolves (11-4, 6-0 CAA) remained in North Carolina to take on the Campbell Camels (3-11, 1-6 CAA) on the latter’s Senior Day. The hosts showed its fortitude in the opening half, but a methodical approach by Stony Brook — led by a third quarter hat trick from attacker Charlotte Wilmoth — led it to a 19-12 win.
With 3:23 remaining in the first half, Campbell attacker Rasa Welsh scored a woman-up goal to give her team its largest lead of the game at 8-5. After being down 4-3 earlier in the second frame, the Camels scored five of the contest’s next six goals, looking to shock the lacrosse world with what could have been an unbelievable upset.
Coming into the day, Campbell was on a four-game losing streak to its league foes. On the contrary, Stony Brook had never lost to a CAA team since it joined the conference in 2023.
After scoring, Welsh also won the ensuing draw, but turned the ball over thereafter. The Seawolves capitalized fully on her giveaway, scoring on consecutive possessions following the turnover to cut their deficit to just one at the break.
Kicking off the third period, the sides delivered over two minutes of scoreless play before the tide turned in Stony Brook’s favor after attacker Riley McDonald netted a woman-up goal to tie the affair at eight apiece. The Camels’ extensive struggles in the frame stemmed from their inability to keep 12 players on the field. In total, Campbell was carded five times in the quarter, including three yellows.
Continuing a recurring theme of Sunday’s game, the Seawolves took advantage of their opponent’s mistakes. Out of their nine goals in the period, five occurred in woman-up scenarios. The job of Stony Brook’s already explosive offense — which leads the league in goals per game (15.33) — was made easier by all of the violations committed by the Camels, whether it was attacking in transition or set plays.
Conversely, whenever Campbell had possession, it struggled to maintain it without a full personnel. The Seawolves — who are the second best team in the CAA in causing turnovers with 10.40 a contest — stripped the Camels seven times in the frame.
Down 16-8 at the start of the final quarter after a nightmarish period, Campbell put up more of a fight in the fourth frame, featuring a hat-trick by midfielder Sam Bischoff — one of the seniors being honored on Sunday. However, this battle was not nearly enough to get the Camels over the hump. Stony Brook scored three goals of its own in the final 15 minutes to wrap up its successful visit to North Carolina.
Head coach Joe Spallina did not speak to the media after the game.
The Seawolves outshot Campbell 36 (29 shots on goal) to 26 (15 shots on goal).
Stony Brook finished +7 (13-20) on the turnover differential and won the draw control battle 19-16. Each team scooped up 14 ground balls.
Goalkeeper Natalia Altebrando struggled for a second time in the last three contests. She made just three saves for a season-low .200 save percentage. For the Camels, goalkeeper Alana Lepore made 10 stops for a .345 mark. Lepore has registered double-digits in saves in four of her last six outings.
Wilmoth spearheaded the Seawolves’ attack with eight points (five goals and three assists). Midfielder Alexandra Fusco scored four times, and contributed in other areas with three draw controls, two ground balls and one caused turnover. McDonald and midfielder Isabella Caporuscio also tallied hat tricks. Attacker Casey Colbert served as Stony Brook’s primary facilitator with four assists.
Just like Fusco, Caporuscio worked on both ends, as she tied a career-high with four caused turnovers. Defender Avery Hines forced three giveaways.
Midfielder Braeden Siverson had a solid day in the circle, posting eight draw controls, the most out of anyone from both teams.
Bischoff led Campbell with four goals and three assists. Attacker McKenna Duncan put up a hat trick off the bench.
Next week, the Seawolves will host the only other undefeated squad within league play: the No. 25 Drexel Dragons. At Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on Friday, Stony Brook will look to repeat its victory over the Dragons in the 2024 CAA Championship title game. Drexel is 11-2 overall and 6-0 in conference action following a 11-10 win over Hofstra. Opening draw is scheduled for 6 p.m.
