ERIE, Pa. - Sophomore Jordan Kulp scored four goals and assisted on five more, but her offensive output wasn't enough as the IUP women's lacrosse team fell to Mercyhurst 15-12 late Wednesday afternoon. 

The performance was the best of the year for Kulp, who posted season-highs in goals, assists, points (nine), and shots on goal (seven). 

The loss sets up a regular season finale between two teams fighting for the last available spot in the upcoming PSAC tournament, as the Crimson Hawks play at Lock Haven Thursday. IUP enters tomorrow's matchup with a 5-5 overall record and a 5-4 mark in divisional play. Lock Haven is 4-6 overall and 4-5 in the West.

Who stood out
Soph. Jordan Kulp scored a career-high nine points on four goals and five assists, adding three ground balls.
Jr. Leah Hunter scored three goals on four shots. 
Sr. Kayte Zeiler scored two goals and picked up four draw controls.
Fr. Sarah Reustle scored once, had two ground balls and four draw controls.

How it happened
The Crimson Hawks used an early scoring barrage to rebound from a 3-1 deficit to take a 5-3 lead with 12:34 left in the first. IUP scored four goals on four shots over a 2:35 time frame, with Chantal Jimenez, Katie Hibinger, Leah Hunter, and Kulp each scoring.

Mercyhurst came back with three straight goals to regain the lead and later scored twice in the final 36 seconds of the half to go up 10-7 at the break.

Back-to-back goals by Kayte Zeiler just 12 seconds apart in the second half tied the game at 11-11 with just under 20 minutes to play. Again, Mercyhurst responded with three straight scores, taking a 14-11 lead with 13 minutes left. 

Kulp made it a two-score game with 5:13 left but the Crimson Hawks were able to get off just one shot the rest of the way as the Lakers came out with the win.

Up next
A win Thursday gives the Crimson Hawks the third and final spot from the Western Division in the PSAC tournament. Lock Haven will need to defeat IUP by two-plus goals in order to satisfy the season goal differential tiebreaker to earn the final playoff spot.

Follow
For coverage of the IUP women's lacrosse program, follow the Crimson Hawks on Twitter and Instagram @IUPlacrosse and online at IUPAthletics.com.