MELBOURNE, Fla. – Despite six goals from sophomore Adriana Greco (Sound Beach, N.Y./Rocky Point), 14th-ranked IUP women's lacrosse fell to 17th-ranked Florida Tech 16-12 on Saturday night. The game was IUP's 2017 season opener, but Florida Tech is already well-seasoned, improving to 7-1 on the year.
 
The six goals tied a career-high for Greco, who also hit the six-score mark against Seton Hill as a freshman last year. Four of her goals came off of free position attempts, as she finished 4-of-6 on the night.
 
Crimson Hawks keep pace early
IUP scored first, with senior Kim Hooven (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) netting the Crimson Hawks opening goal just 96 seconds into the year. Even with Florida Tech already having seven games under its belt, the Crimson Hawks didn't let the game get away from them, as Greco's second goal made it a 5-5 game at the midway point of the first half.
 
Florida Tech finished the half on a 3-1 run to take a 9-6 lead into the locker room.
 
IUP rallies, Florida Tech finishes strong for the win
After falling down 11-6 in the second half, the Crimson Hawks rattled off five straight goals over a quick 3:01 span to tie things up at 11-11 with 20 minutes left to play.
 
The Panthers, however, rebounded to score four straight and kept IUP off the board to tally their seventh win of the season.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks remain in the South, as they take on No. 5 Florida Southern (8-2) on Wednesday. Opening draw is set for 7 p.m.
 
Follow
For up-to-date game information, visit www.IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's lacrosse on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPlacrosse.