FLUSHING, N.Y.- Caldwell University women's lacrosse freshman Arden Kassaleh (Pompton Plains, N.J.) registered a hat trick, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Cougars opened the 2017 season with a 6-5 win over Queens College.
 
The Cougars win their season opener for the first time in program history as they begin the season at 1-0. The Knights drop to 0-2.
 
Queens got out to an early lead with a pair of goals in the first six minutes of the game. The Cougars battled back as Kassaleh netted her first collegiate goal at the 22:06 mark off an assist from junior Pamela Schenck (East Moriches, N.Y.). Kassaleh scored two minutes later to even the score at 2-2.
 
Schenck gave the Cougars the lead three minutes before halftime to put Caldwell up 3-2 at the break.
 
Caldwell extended their lead with a pair of goals early in the second half. Sophomore Rachel Lucia (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) scored just over a minute into the half to push the Cougars lead to 4-2. Schenck netted her second tally of the game two minutes later to increase the lead to 5-2.
 
Queens chipped away with a goal at the 17:58 mark and tied the score with a goal at the 2:02 mark. Caldwell had an opportunity late in regulation but failed to score.
 
In the extra period, the Cougars forced a Queens turnover but had a pair of scoring opportunities turned aside. Kassaleh played hero in her first collegiate action as she netted the game-winner off a free position shot to lift the Cougars to a thrilling overtime win.
 
In net, sophomore Elizabeth Ruedemann (Monmouth Junction, N.J.) recorded 15 saves to earn the win.  
 
The Cougars are back in action on Sunday, March 12 as they travel to Molloy College for a 12 pm contest.