Box score

GRANTHAM, Pa. – The University of Scranton women's lacrosse team went on the road Saturday to open its 2022 season against one of the best teams in the country. The Royals got all they bargained for in what ended in a 9-0 defeat to the Falcons.

Scranton (0-1) trailed at halftime, 4-0, but could not fight back after the break as Messiah (1-0) scored three times in the third period to put the game away. This is the first season of the new 15-minute periods in women's lacrosse.

The Royals were efficient in clearing the ball, succeeding on 18 of 21 attempts. But 24 turnovers and a 24-12 deficit in shots played a role in the defeat. Messiah also held a narrow 21-18 edge in ground balls.

Sophomore attacker Erin Reich (Rockville Centre, N.Y./South Side) led Scranton with three shots. Senior defender Emily Schum (East Hanover, N.J./Morris Catholic) had a team-high four ground balls and sophomore defender Nicolina Mauro (South Hempstead, N.Y./South Side) led Scranton with three caused turnovers. Junior goalkeeper Anna Tamke (Bernardsville, N.J./Bernards) made eight saves in the defeat.

The Royals will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 26, in their home opener against Lebanon Valley at 12 p.m. at Weiss Field.

--ROYALS--