INDIANA, Pa. – In a season full of adversity and resilience, IUP women's lacrosse fell just short to Mercyhurst, falling 11-10 in double overtime during Tuesday's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Quarterfinals at a rainy Miller Stadium.
 
A close game throughout, neither side led by more than three in a closely contested playoff matchup. Maggie Newton raced in along the right wing for her 41st of the season at 1:41 of the second overtime session, pushing Mercyhurst (9-8) to the PSAC Semifinals against top-seeded and number one West Chester.
 
IUP (12-6) spent much of the final three quarters playing catch up following a fast start by the Lakers. Down 4-1 and 5-2 in the first, the Crimson Hawks took a one-goal advantage with just under 3:30 remaining on a marker from Chantal Jimenez.
 
Meghan Nasman leveled the score at 10 for the Lakers in the fourth before Newton cashed in with the overtime tally.
 
Jimenez posted a team-high five points on four goals and one assist, grabbing nine draw controls. Emme Mass added four draw controls and two goals for the Crimson Hawks.

IUP held a slim 30-28 advantage in shots and emerged with a 14-12 edge in draw controls. The Hawks had 16 turnovers on the night, while Mercyhurst goalie Paige Maneri made 11 saves, including some timely stops down the stretch. 

A run of three straight markers evened the score at five as Jimenez, Brenna Whiteside and Mass helped IUP work the contest back even. 

The teams traded tallies in the second half as Mercyhurst eventually found the net for the game-tying and game-winning goals. 

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