The Pioneers dominated against the Ursuline Arrows at Highmark Stadium on Saturday for Point Park’s first-ever game in program history. Point Park demolished Ursuline in a game that ended with a score of 21-2.
“I was so excited after all of the hard work the team put into preparing for that first game,” coach Erik Ingram said. “My expectations were high, and the players did not disappoint at all. It was an amazing night for sure.”
Ingram was hired in June 2024 to kickstart the women’s lacrosse program. He had a full academic year to recruit before officially hosting practices and matches in 2025-26.
On Saturday, five players stood out in terms of scoring hat tricks. Tessa Hueber, one of four non-freshmen, led the team in goals and assists with four of each. Andrea Kinger, Emma Diaz, Kiley Leasure and Gracie Favela each scored three goals.
“To have our first game in program history was such an amazing thing to be a part of,” freshman Emma Diaz said. “To see what we’ve been working for in the off-season is so rewarding.”
The game started strong when, after about two minutes, Hueber scored the first goal of the afternoon, assisted by Leasure. The momentum continued throughout the entire first half, with only one goal allowed, and the Pioneers led 13-1 entering halftime.
“Going into each quarter, no matter how far ahead we were, the team and I were always thinking about what we could be doing better,” Hueber said. “It’s important for us to use games like this to prepare for games later in the season, where a dropped pass could determine a win or a loss.”
Point Park’s defense kept the Arrows in check for the remainder of the game, with only one more goal given up. The Pioneers maintained their momentum to the end of the game to win 21-2.
“Having the first game in program history be such a success for the team was very encouraging for our young team,” captain Taylor Desko said. “I know what this team is capable of, and I’m glad the girls were able to prove to themselves that we can play at such a high level. This is a great confidence booster to start our season that I’m hoping will help us in conference play.”
With their dominant win, the Pioneers are striving to capitalize on their strengths moving forward.
“As a team, we gave maximum effort all four quarters,” Hueber said. “Even if the other team had the ball, we either caused a turnover before they had a chance to get to their offensive end or made it extremely difficult for them. This is something we want to carry through the rest of the season.”
The Pioneers have a busy week ahead of them with three games, one away and two at home. Today, the team will travel to Canton, Oh., for a matchup against Malone. On Friday, Point Park will face Lake Erie at home. On Sunday, the Pioneers will take part in an exhibition game against Mount Aloysius at home.
“Sharpening up some technical aspects of our play is going to help our team go even further the rest of the season, and we are all ready to work hard every day at practice and on our own time to accomplish this,” Hueber said.
