LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – IUP women's lacrosse closed the regular season with a victory, holding off a Lock Haven rally as part of a 14-12 victory on Saturday.
IUP (12-5, 10-2) was already locked into the second seed in the PSAC Tournament, but held on for an important victory from a regional ranking perspective. The Crimson Hawks, who knew their postseason fate partially going into the weekend, found out the team's playoff opponent as Mercyhurst rounded out the PSAC Tournament field with a victory against Slippery Rock.
The Crimson Hawks used a fast start, mounting a 3-0 advantage in the first quarter and an 8-4 lead heading into the half. IUP ultimately converted when it mattered down the stretch, holding off Lock Haven (6-11, 4-8) in the final 15 minutes.
Leah Moyer paced the Crimson Hawks with four goals with
Brenna Whiteside adding three markers of her own. It was part of another balanced offensive effort for IUP as seven scorers posted three or more points.
Chantal Jimenez grabbed 12 draw controls, helping IUP gain valuable possession which led to winning the statistical battle in shots (29-20) and shots on goal (24-18).
Rylee Wilson had three caused turnovers and three ground balls, while
Maggie Marsteller notched three ground balls and two caused turnovers.
The Hawks converted two goals in the opening two minutes of the game, later expanding the lead to 3-0 on a Whiteside marker from
Emme Mass. Moyer lifted IUP ahead 4-2 in the latter moments of the first quarter, kickstarting a five goal surge.
LHU chipped the deficit back to 8-5 before Moyer responded back for the Crimson Hawks. Again, IUP found the back of the net late in the quarter as
Jordan Kulp sliced in for her 16th of the season and a 10-7 edge.
LHU got back within one at 11-10 before Moyer and Jimenez provided some key insurance markers over the final five minutes of the stanza. Burke closed out the scoring at the 1:42 mark of the fourth.
Maddy Schramm made six saves in goal for IUP. LHU received a game-high five goals from Abby Katrinak.
Up Next
IUP hosts Mercyhurst on Tuesday, May 2 in the PSAC Tournament. First draw from Miller Stadium is slated for 4:00 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.
