Hempstead, NY - Nikki Mennella had eight points on a career-high-tying six goals and two assists for the Pride, but Connecticut rallied in the second half and defeated the Hofstra women's lacrosse team, 18-12, on Saturday afternoon at James M. Shuart Stadium. 

It is the fourth time in Mennella's career she has scored six goals in a game. 

Hofstra dropped to 6-5 with the loss, while Connecticut improved to 7-4 with the win. 

The Pride fell into a trio of four-goal holes in the first half, the third time at 9-5 with 10:47 left in the second quarter. It would be all Hofstra to close the first half, though, as the Pride scored five consecutive goals over the final 6:07 of the half, to take a 10-9 lead into the break. Mennella had three goals during the run, including the first two. 

Connecticut tied the score just under two minutes into the third quarter before a goal from Kristen Redding put the Pride back in front at the 12:09 mark. 

The Huskies would rally and take control of the contest at that point as they scored six straight goals spanning the third and fourth quarters to lead 16-11 with 10:47 left in regulation. Mennella did add another goal to close the gap to four, but the Pride was unable to get any closer in the game.

Megan Flannery and Redding each added two goals for the Pride, with Redding adding an assist as well. Kyndall Jackson dished out a career-best two assists. Mennella added a team-high five draw controls, while Emily Weigand had four ground balls and two caused turnovers to lead Hofstra in both categories. 

Rayea Davis had nine points on three goals and six assists for Connecticut, which also got six points from Emma Dacey (4 G, 2 A) and Jenna Giardina (3 G, 3 A). 

Hofstra is back in action next Saturday when it hosts Campbell at 12 p.m. 

NOTES
- The hat trick was the eighth this season for Mennella and the 18th of her career. 
- Mennella moved into 16th place all-time at Hofstra in points. She now has 137 and passed Heather Kain, who had 131 from 1996-99. 
- Luchianna Cardello moved into 10th place all-time at Hofstra in saves with her six today. She now has 308 in her career and passed Maddie Fields, who had 304 from 2016-18. 
- Hofstra is 2-4 all-time against Connecticut.