BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Saint Francis University mauled McKendree University, 22-8, on the second day of the Salem Invitational hosted by Salem University behind record-setting performances from Caylah Olay and Sofia Maioriello.
Competing at the Bridge Sports Complex, the Red Flash set the tone early by outscoring McKendree 6-3 in the opening quarter to bury the Bearcats. SFU expanded its advantage in the second quarter to acquire an 11-4 lead at halftime. The team’s momentum continued in the third quarter as Saint Francis pushed the score to 15-6 by maintaining control on both ends of the pool prior to finishing off McKendree with a 7-2 outburst in the game’s final eight minutes.
Olay and Lexanny Gonzalez led the offense as both finished with six goals. Maioriello controlled the pace of the game with eight assists to accompany a goal and five steals.
Bella Castaneda contributed two goals and four assists, and Laura Knight added two goals and an assist. Sarah Hartwell also finished with two goals and two assists. Lucy Willis chipped in two goals and added four steals on defense.
In goal, Victoria Tamarit anchored the defense with 10 saves, five steals and an assist.
The game was historic as Olay set the program’s all-time career goals record by reaching 279 goals, while Maioriello established a new Saint Francis single-game record with eight assists.
Information courtesy Saint Francis University Athletics Communications
