Rockville Centre, N.Y. – The fourth-seeded Molloy women's lacrosse team defeated the fifth-seeded Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks, 21-13, in the opening round of the East Coast Conference Tournament Tuesday evening at John A. Darcy Field. Junior Brianna Wilson netted nine goals, which tied the program's single-game record, and added two assists. Senior Jessica Markowitz (four goals and one assist)  and sophomore Kelsey Hammel (two goals and three assists)  tallied five points each.

The win was Molloy's first in the ECC Tournament, and its first postseason win since 2008, when it topped Georgian Court, 11-8, in the ECAC postseason.

The Lions (11-7) netted the first eight goals of the contest, led by three goals from Wilson, two from Markowitz and junior Casie Caiazza, and one from redshirt junior Ali Pfeifer, to take an 8-0 advantage. With the score 8-1, Wilson and Markowitz netted back-to-back goals to increase the lead to 10-1. Roberts Wesleyan (9-9) netted four straight goals to make it a 10-5 game.  Molloy scored three of the last four goals in the half, led by two goals from Pfeifer and one from Markowitz, and led 13-6 at the break.

Wilson scored the Lions' first five goals of the second half to extend their lead to 18-10. Hammel netted two goals, and Markowitz added one goal in the final stanza as the maroon and white went on to win 21-13.

Junior Emily Bauer caused three turnovers and picked up two ground balls, and Caiazza caused one turnover and recorded five ground balls. Freshman goalie Alexandra Long made eight saves in the victory.

Molloy travels to Brookville, N.Y. to play top-seeded LIU Post Thursday, May 3 in the East Coast Conference semifinals. The game is slated to begin at 3:00 p.m.

Provided by the Molloy Sports Information Department.