SCRANTON, PA (February 18, 2023) -- The University of Scranton women's lacrosse team battled hard but were defeated 11-10 in double overtime by No. 16 Messiah on Saturday afternoon at Weiss Field.

Sophomore Grace Lane (Long Beach, N.Y. / Sacred Heart Academy) posted a game-high four goals to go along with one assist for Scranton, while sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Boldis (Merrick, N.Y. / Sanford H. Calhoun) was remarkable in net, finishing with 16 saves and six ground balls. 

The Royals opened up the game strong, outscoring the Eagles 3-1 in the opening period including a last minute goal from junior Devyn Tanajewski (Ringwood, N.J. / Lakeland Regional). 

Scranton continued to press the acion in the second quarter, as Lane added a pair of goals and Tanajewski added another late goal to give the Royals a 6-3 lead headed into the break. 

Messiah scored the first two goals of the second half to cut Scranton's lead to just one goal. The Royals answered with a three goal run of their own to take a 9-5 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the third period. A late third quarter goal brought the Eagles within three of Scranton. 

Senior Caroline Miller (Huntington, N.Y. / Elwood-John H. Glenn) started off the fourth quarter with a goal off the draw control to help Scranton regain its four goal cushion. Messiah then scored four straight goals including a pair of Hannah Gawne to tie up the game a 10-10 and force overtime.

The game-winning goal came in the second period of overtime as Gawne closed out the game for the Falcons. 

Defensively, Miller and junior Karina Roettger (Brick, N.J. / Brick Memorial) led the Royals with five caused turnovers each, while junior Grace Dabulas (Westfield, N.J. / Westfield) added four ground balls and three caused turnovers.

The women's lacrosse team returns to action next Saturday when they host Lebanon Valley at 1:00 PM at Weiss Field.

--ROYALS--