Chargers’ High-Powered Offense Overpowers Pride in GNAC Clash

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Salazar '29

WESTON, Mass. — Riding the momentum of a Tuesday night win, the Pride returned to Regis Stadium for a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) showdown with Colby-Sawyer College, but they were unable to slow the Chargers' explosive attack in a 16-5 setback. The loss dropped the Pride to 1-3 on the season and 1-2 in GNAC action. 

Serenity Ayala paced the Pride with two goals, while Maddie Sainato, Melinda Carbone, and Bella Marini each added a tally. Anna Theriault led the team with five ground balls, and Daniela Mazo made seven saves in goal.

Lauren Vignola led the Chargers with a dominant eight-goal, one-assist performance, while Rose Finlayson contributed three goals. Elena Bronson orchestrated the offense with six assists and a goal, and Bethany Rose earned the win in net.

How it Happened

The GNAC's leading scorer, Lauren Vignola, wasted no time setting the tone, recording a hat trick in the opening three minutes to give the Chargers an early advantage. Serenity Ayala stopped the early surge with the Pride's first goal at the 11:23 mark, and Maddie Sainato followed with a low strike past the keeper to trim the deficit to one. However, Elena Bronson fueled another Colby-Sawyer run, dishing out three assists during a four-goal stretch as the Chargers pulled ahead 7-2 after one quarter.

In the second frame, Dani Mazo came up with a pair of saves to help limit the damage, as the Chargers were held to their lowest-scoring quarter of the game. Still, Colby-Sawyer added two goals to take a 9-2 lead into halftime.

Vignola continued her standout performance in the third, opening the scoring off a Bronson assist before converting a free-position attempt to extend the lead to 11-2 with 6:35 remaining. She later added an assist during another scoring sequence as the Chargers built a double-digit advantage and carried a 13-2 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth, Audrey Mason connected with Melinda Carbone at the 10:03 mark to snap the Chargers' run. First-year Bella Marini added another goal later in the quarter, and Ayala capped the scoring with a late tally. Despite the late efforts, Vignola and the Chargers' offense proved too much, as Colby-Sawyer secured the 16-5 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Anna Theriault's helper in the final frame marked her first collegiate assist.
• Serenity Ayala has recorded two or more goals in her last three outings. 

Up Next

The Pride continue their homestand this Saturday, March 21, when New England College visits Weston for a midday matchup.