Hartford Women’s Lacrosse Loses to Western Connecticut State Saturday

This blog post recaps Hartford’s women’s lacrosse team’s 13-9 setback to West Connecticut State University in Danbury. We’ll dig into some standout performances from both sides and try to figure out what this means for Connecticut’s college lacrosse scene as the Hawks gear up for another road game.

There’s also a look ahead—how will Hartford approach the rest of the season with so many programs buzzing all over the state?

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Game story: Hawks fall to West Conn in Danbury

West Conn came out hot, scoring the game’s first seven goals and jumping to a 7-0 lead after just one quarter. Hartford supporters watched from the sideline as the Hawks managed only three shots in that opening stretch, while the Colonials set the pace everywhere on the field.

Lauren Samela finally broke through 29 seconds into the second period with her ninth goal of the season. She set up Courtney Ingham a bit later, who delivered her first goal of the year and then added a free-position strike to trim the halftime gap to 7-3.

West Conn fired back at the start of the third with three straight goals, stretching the lead to 10-3. Hartford’s Katie Graham answered off a Brenna Slattery assist, and the Hawks’ offense showed flashes, but that early hole was just too deep as time ran out with West Conn ahead 13-9.

Key contributors and statistics

Lauren Samela: 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 draws (ninth goal of the season)
Katie Graham: 2 goals, added a timely counter
Courtney Ingham: 2 goals (including her first of the year) and a free-position goal
Kate Zonin: dominated the draw circle with 11 draw controls, plus a goal and an assist
Mandi Rivard: 11 saves in goal for Hartford
Samantha Ciaglo: 1 caused turnover and 5 ground balls
Sara Costa: 2 goals for the Hawks
West Conn: outshot Hartford 23-11 and forced six turnovers to Hartford’s three

CT lacrosse landscape and what’s ahead for Hartford

Early results show Connecticut’s lacrosse scene is still fiercely competitive, from Hartford to Danbury. Programs in surrounding towns keep the conversation lively every week.

Fans in West Hartford and New Britain are watching closely to see how the Hawks handle faster games and tighter defenses. Next up, the Hawks head out of state to play Wellesley College in Massachusetts at 4:00 PM—a good chance to test themselves and maybe shake off the early-season rust.

Connecticut’s lacrosse map is dotted with strong programs in New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Norwalk. A lot of outcomes come down to elite draws and goalkeeping. Hartford’s coaches are definitely tracking how the team can turn moments like Zonin’s draw control dominance or Samela’s all-around play into steady, five-on-five pressure.

The Danbury game just reinforces it: progress usually means closing those early gaps and keeping up defensive stops—especially against tough teams from places like Waterbury and Bridgeport. There’s a lot to figure out, but that’s what makes Connecticut lacrosse worth following.

Looking ahead: key takeaways for Hawks fans

The Hawks really need to start games stronger and avoid digging themselves into an early hole like that 7-0 deficit.
Kate Zonin’s got a knack for draw controls—let’s see the team keep riding that to spark more offense.
Rivard’s been steady in goal, but the defense could ramp up the on-ball pressure and maybe force a few more turnovers.
This Wellesley road trip? It’s a decent test for Hartford against nonconference teams and might show how fast the offense can actually click.

Here is the source article for this story: Hartford Women’s Lacrosse Falls to Western Connecticut State University on Saturday

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