INDIANA, Pa. – Junior Leah Hunter and sophomore Jordan Kulp each scored four goals to lead IUP women's lacrosse to a 12-8 win over Slippery Rock in the conference opener Sunday afternoon at Miller Stadium.
 
Kulp added three assists to tie her career-high with seven points. All three of her helpers came on goals by Hunter.
 
The Crimson Hawks improved to 1-1 on the year after their season-opening weekend.
 
Who stood out
>> Sophomore Jordan Kulp had a career-high four goals on four shots and added three assists, tying a career-best with seven points.
>> Junior Leah Hunter scored a career-high four goals on five shots on goal.
>> Junior Katie Hibinger picked up a team-high four ground balls.
>> Freshman Chantal Jimenez scored a goal, picked up three ground balls and caused three turnovers.
>> Senior goalie Lauren Piecknick picked up the win in the net with 13 saves.
 
How it happened
It was a relatively low-scoring first half as Slippery Rock (1-1) grabbed a 3-2 lead at the midway point. The Crimson Hawks responded with three straight goals, as Kulp, Sarah Reustle and Hibinger gave IUP a 5-3 lead at the break.
 
The teams traded second half goals as The Rock kept it close. Two straight SRU scores cut IUP's lead to 8-7 with just under 16 minutes to play.
 
The Hawks came back with two quick goals by Kayte Zeiler and Kulp, and added another by Hunter a few minutes later to open up an 11-7 lead. Each team added goals with the IUP defense keeping SRU scoreless over the last nine minutes.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks' early season homestand continues Wednesday as they host Seton Hill (1-0) at 4 p.m.
 
Follow
For coverage of the IUP women's lacrosse program, follow the Crimson Hawks on Twitter and Instagram @IUPlacrosse and online at IUPAthletics.com.