WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Following a tough loss to Eastern University earlier this week, the Manhattanville College women's lacrosse team earned their first Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom victory of the season, defeating Wilkes University 20-9 Saturday, April 6.

The Valiants got out to an early lead, with sophomore forward Kayla Telesky (Hicksville, N.Y./Hicksville) scoring just 35 seconds into the game to give the Valiants the lead, with sophomore midfielder Diana Piacquadio (Port Washington, N.Y./Gilmour Academy) picking up the assist. Minutes later, Piacquadio found the back of the net herself to give Manhattanville a two goal lead. Freshmen Lara Keenan (Montgomery, N.Y./Valley Central) and Brialee Logue (Hampton, N.H./Winnacunnet) then added two goals apiece, with Telesky picking up her second as well, to give the Valiants a 7-5 lead at the half.

The visitors then took control of the game in the second, scoring the first nine goals of the half to grab a 16-5 lead. Logue, Keenan, and Telesky all added goals in the second, while sophomore defender Nicole DeMealo (Mahopac, N.Y./Mahopac) and freshman midfielder Ally Petricca (New Hyde Park, N.Y./New Hyde Park Memorial) each added one goal. Late in the game, sophomore midfielder Hailey DeStasio (West Hempstead, N.Y./West Hempstead) and sophomore attack Bella Cosentino (Washingtonville, N.Y./Washingtonville) picked up a goal as well, putting the finishing touches on an impressive 20-9 victory for the Valiants.

On the day, Keenan had six goals and one assist to go along with four ground balls and 10 draw controls. Logue contributed six goals as well, and Telesky provided three goals and two ground balls on the day. Cosentino had one goal and four assists, DeStasio picked up one goal and three ground balls, and junior goalkeeper Bella Marchiselli (Williston Park, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy Academy) picked up her fifth win of the season, making six saves on the afternoon.

As a team, the Valiants outshout the Colonels 43-23, picked up 20 ground balls to Wilkes' 16, and won the draw control battle 18-13.

The Valiants are back in action Wednesday, April 10, when they continue MAC Freedom play with a trip to DeSales University, with game time scheduled for 4:00 p.m.