Cross completes comeback for the Golden Eagles

By: Aiden Locke / Operations Manager

BROCKPORT, N.Y. --- The Brockport Golden Eagles women's lacrosse team erased a second half, five goal deficit to beat Union College 9-8. First year midfielder Alivia Cross sealed the comeback with an acrobatic goal with ten seconds remaining.

"I was driving and I was really hoping I could make a play," Cross said. "I got pushed, I fell but I had faith it was going to go in... I'm finally confident to know I can put the ball in the back of the net."

The Brockport Golden Eagles in a huddle against Union College on March 11, 2026. Photo credit: Brockport Athletics

Brockport dominated the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles outscored Union College 6-to-1 in the final frame, with goal production from five different players. Cross scored both of her goals late in the fourth quarter. Brockport's first three goals of the quarter came from free position shots. A four goal unanswered run in the final seven minutes was just enough for the Golden Eagles to secure the win.

The Brockport offense finished with six different goal scorers.

"We take this as a challenge and we came to meet, greet and beat that challenge," Brockport senior midfielder Journey Naab said.

"It's just keeping it steady," Brockport head coach Bryana Glasser said. "Continuing to stick to the system, continue to put in the work and do the things off ball which is the most important for us... When our backs are up against the wall, keep battling and that's exactly what we did."

# 9 Emily Schiffer carrying the ball against Union College on March 11, 2026. Photo credit: Brockport Athletics

The first half was dominated by Union College. Junior attacker Gillian Joseph led the way offensively. She put together a first quarter hat-trick, which were the first three goals of the contest. Union dominated poession early in route to a 6-to-2 lead at the break. Brockport held Joseph to just a single assist the rest of the way.

Brockport junior goaltender Arianna Reed along with the defensive unit bunkered down for the final 45 minutes. They allowed only four goals after the opening frame. Reed played a huge role after she stopped multiple free-position chances and finished with a 12 save, .600 SV% performance. Brockport defenders Caitlin Mulvihill and Brookelyn Vicaretti led the Golden Eagle backline with three caused turnovers respectively.

# 29 Brookelyn Vicaretti avoiding a defender against Union College on Mar 11, 2026. Photo credit: Brockport Athletics

"Our communication (changed after the first quarter) we were really trying to talk each other through everything and just going with the system," Reed said.

The defensive improvement for Brockport shined brightest in the second half. The Golden Eagles pressed Union with a hard ride, causing multiple Union mistakes in transition. The adjustment was cruical to Brockport's late run. Brockport were tailed for 12 caused turnovers in the game.

"The (defensive) communication, our chemistry together of defense... we we're talking, we we're there for each other and we felt the confidence," Naab said.

The Golden Eagles improve to 2-3 on the season and gear up to take on former SUNYAC foe Oneonta on Saturday Mar 14. First draw at Dr Linda Arena Field in Brockport is scheduled for noon. Union fall to 1-2 and look to rebound back at home against Colorado College on Thursday, March 19. First draw for that contest is scheduled for 6 p.m.