ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College lacrosse team secured a commanding 19–5 victory over Notre Dame of Maryland University (0-10, 0-3) in its regular season finale on Saturday at the FalconPlex, marking Senior Day. The Falcons' offensive effort was highlighted by scoring eight goals in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the contest.

Prior to the game, the program honored its seniors Kylah Demarest (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township), Ellie Terranova (Wilmington, Del./Mount Pleasant), Adriana Dias (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), Kadee Schrader (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area), and Olivia Moyer (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) in a special ceremony.

Cedar Crest opened the first quarter with strong offensive momentum. Schrader initiated the scoring with a successful free position goal, followed by Demarest and Terranova extending the lead to 3–0, showcasing effective draw control and capitalization on turnovers.

The team maintained pressure throughout the stanza, with Schrader and first-year Trinity Burk (Baltimore, Md./Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts) both scoring during player-up situations, driving the score to 5–0. The Falcons' defense was pivotal, causing multiple turnovers that were quickly converted into scoring opportunities.

As the quarter progressed, Cedar Crest's offensive efficiency continued with additional goals from Demarest and another from Terranova, punctuated by assists from Terranova and sophomore Angelina Plut (Blairstown, N.J./North Warren Regional). Despite a late goal by the Gators, the Falcons closed the quarter with a commanding 8–1 lead.

Cedar Crest began the second quarter with impactful plays, as first-year Audra Leiter (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) scored with an assist from Demarest, extending their lead early. First-year Taylor Dotter's (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) defensive efforts contributed significantly by causing turnovers and assisting on another goal by Leiter, keeping the momentum on their side.

Despite the NDMU response with a goal from junior Ariana Rodriguez (Haslet, Texas), the Falcons maintained control with strong draw control from Dotter and effective ground ball recoveries. However, the Gators narrowed the margin, capitalizing on opportunities to score twice late in the quarter, closing the quarter with Cedar Crest leading 10–4.

The Falcons extended its control in the third quarter, capitalizing on a player-up situation as Demarest scored with an assist from Schrader at 8:12. This goal prompted a timeout by Notre Dame of Maryland. Cedar Crest maintained momentum when Burk found the net at 2:26, further widening the margin.

The defense remained strong, with multiple turnovers forced, including one by first-year Kaitlyn Takacs (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom). The Falcons closed the quarter effectively, holding the Gators scoreless and increasing its lead to 12–4.

Cedar Crest opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push, as Demarest scored just seconds in, assisted by Schrader. This early momentum was compounded by a subsequent goal from Dotter, extending the Falcons' lead and setting the tone for the quarter.

Following a turnover, Cedar Crest capitalized again with Demarest netting her second goal of the quarter, once more assisted by Schrader. Burk then added another goal, putting the Falcons firmly in control. The team continued to dominate possession and scoring, with Demarest completing a hat trick with a player-up goal late in the quarter.

Despite a late goal from the Gators by first-year Leah Acri (Harrisburg, Pa.), Cedar Crest maintained its command, closing the quarter with a final goal by Schrader, also assisted by Demarest. The Falcons finished the quarter with a 19–5 lead, securing a decisive victory on home turf.

Demarest led the scoring for Cedar Crest with eight goals on 13 shots on goal, contributing significantly to the Falcons' offensive efforts. Terranova added two goals and two assists, including the game-winning goal. Schrader recorded three goals and seven assists, showcasing her playmaking abilities throughout the game. Leiter contributed with two goals on three shots, maintaining her efficiency in front of the net.

Acri stood out for the Gators with a strong performance, netting two goals and adding one assist. Junior Adrienne Villa (Baltimore, Md.) contributed to the scoring with one goal on two shots, both on target. First-year Soliery Baez Vergara (Owings Mills, Md.) also made an impact, scoring once and registering three shots, all on goal. Additionally, Rodriguez made her mark with a goal on her sole shot attempt.

Cedar Crest (9-7 overall, 1-2 United East) has qualified for the United East Conference Championship Tournament as the No. 3 seed and will travel to second-seeded Wilson College for the Divisional Semifinals on Wednesday, April 22 at 5:00 p.m. Notre Dame of Maryland (0-10 overall, 0-3 United East) is the No. 4 seed for the Tournament and will face top-seeded St. Mary's College of Maryland in the other Divisional Semifinal matchup on Wednesday.