The St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Lacrosse team fell in their 2019 season opener to the Franklin Pierce University Ravens, 18-5 on Sunday at Spartan Field.

Kaitlyn Gutenberger picked up a hat trick for the Spartans, while Gabrielle Di Fusco tallied two goals of her own.

The Ravens jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, as Savannah Ernst picked up her first and second goals of the year. The Spartans cut the lead in half on a goal from Gutenberger, but the 2-goal lead was quick regained by Franklin Pierce on the strength of a Caroline Lounsbury goal. STAC then, once again, reduced the lead to one on another Kaitlyn Gutenberger goal. However, the Ravens went on to score the next three, as Zoe Totland, Caroline Loundsbury and Morgan Riley all scored, to push their lead to 6-2. Back-to back goals by Gutenberger and Gabrielle Di Fusco cut the differential to two, at 6-4, but Franklin Pierce was able to net the next four (Kaitlyn Daly, Zoe Totland, Bella Lima & Savannah Ernst), making it 10-4 Ravens. Gabby Di Fusco and Savannah Ernst traded tallies before the end of the first half, keeping the deficit to six at 11-5.

In the second half the Ravens offense took control of the game, as Savannah Ernst, Jenna Cimbron and Bella Lima each netted two goals, while Caroline Lounsbury scored her third of the day. Franklin Pierce held serve defensively and did not allow for a Spartan rally to occur, thus giving themselves the 18-5 victory.

STAC goalies Laura Delorenzo (L, 0-1) and Katherine Feigenbaum split time in the cage with Delorenzo registering 5 saves and Feigenbaum picking up 6. In the Ravens net, Megan Bacik (W, 1-0) picked up 6 saves and teammate Casey Butera 1 save, with each seeing thirty minutes of action.

Franklin Pierce had a decisive 34-16 shots advantage for the game.

St. Thomas Aquinas (0-1) will next host Holy Family University on Saturday, February 23 at Spartan Field. Opening draw is set for 1pm.