(box score)
Widener built an eight-goal lead thanks to six tallies from junior Rachel Porter (Medford, NJ), but a furious comeback by Cabrini was foiled by two huge saves late from junior Linda Salcedo (Media, PA) in a 16-15 victory at Edith R. Dixon Field.
Widener scored five of the first six goals in the second half to open a 10-6 lead with 21:49 left. Porter scored three times in that stretch with seniors Mellany Broomall (Clarksboro, NJ) and Calina Walz (Medford, NJ) getting one apiece.
Christina Pasquariello and Gabrielle Gorbey scored just under a minute apart as the Cavaliers closed to 10-8 with 20:20 remaining. The Pride got the momentum back with six straight goals, including two each from Porter and Walz, for a 16-8 cushion with 14:46 to go.
Cabrini refused to fold, getting the next seven goals that included two each from Jamie O'Hanlon and Dolores Weathers for a 16-15 contest with 3:42 to go. But Salcedo took over from there, stopping O'Hanlon on a free-position shot with 15 seconds left and a point-blank attempt from Gorbey in the last five seconds.
Porter ended with nine points, becoming the 14th player in school history to reach that mark. Her six goals tied a career high set March 27, 2010 against Lebanon Valley.
Walz netted four goals, Broomall added three and freshman Amy Albano (Columbia, MD) dished three assists for the Pride (7-8).
Salcedo played great with a career-high 19 saves that included 11 in the second half. She has been involved in every decision for Widener this season.
Walz closed with five draw controls, junior Jen Harnden (Hershey, PA) added four and senior Lauren Fidati (Forest Hill, MD) totaled three caused turnovers.
Gorbey scored four goals, Pasquariello and O'Hanlon had three with Janel Folkomer making six saves for the Cavaliers (5-9).
Widener on Tuesday hosts Arcadia, beginning at 4:00 pm.
