March 29, 2003

Seniors Amanda Welsh and Eva Okereke each scored four goals a piece as Howard University women's lacrosse team held off a furious second-half rally to upend Siena College (N.Y.), 17-13, in an independent game yesterday before a crowd of more than 100 at Green Stadium.

It was the second victory of the season for the Lady Bison (2-4), who posted their first win during the Spring Fling Tournament in Panama City, Florida. Siena dropped to 2-3.

Howard raced to a comfortable, 12-3, halftime advantage on the strength of Chizoba Egbuonu (Cheverly, MD) and Okereke (Baltimore, MD) who each provided two goals apiece in the opening minutes. But the Saints reeled off seven straight goals, including four from Stephanie Petruccelli (Massapequa, N.Y., in the second half to pull within 16-13 with 10 minutes remaining.

The Lady Bison responded by getting its final goal from their leading scorer, Okereke, who finished with three goals and an assist.

Siena returns to action on Tuesday, April 1 when they travel to face Quinnipiac.