DeLuca paces Monroe to win over No. 2 Harford

BEL AIR, Maryland - Janee DeLuca's big game helped propel the top-ranked MCC women's lacrosse team to an 18-7 win over No. 2 Harford Community College in a battle of unbeatens Thursday evening.

The sophomore attack registered five goals and five assists as the Tribunes (5-0) defeated a Top-5 opponent for the third time this season. Up next is a matchup with Region III rival Onondaga Community College at home on Sunday. Onondaga is ranked third.

MCC led 3-2 before DeLuca ripped off two straight goals and assisted on a score by Fran Messura - all in the span of 36 seconds - to give Monroe a four-goal lead. DeLuca added two more goals in the frame as the Tribunes led 10-4 at the break.

DeLuca then tacked on four assists in the second half to help MCC hold off the Fighting Owls. Adriana Williams was the recipient of two of those assists while also adding a third goal on a free position shot.

Harford did have its share of opportunities in the second half, but Tribune goalie Jessica Covell was up to the task. The freshman stopped 11 shots while letting in just three goals over the final 30 minutes. Covell finished with a career-high 18 saves on the day.

Maliah Benedetto chipped in with three goals and two assists while controlling six draws for Monroe. Messura, Kenzie Donahue, and Brittany Chamberlain all added two goals, and Kyrsten Stone had a goal and two assists. Ashley Salvett gathered a team-high five ground balls while Chloe Wormsley scooped up four.