LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — Indiana (Pa.) used a dominant middle stretch to build a lead and held off a late rally to defeat Lock Haven, 12-9, in a PSAC women's lacrosse matchup Wednesday afternoon.

IUP (5-6, 2-2 PSAC) erased an early deficit and took control with an 8-0 run spanning the second and third periods. Lock Haven (5-4, 2-2) scored five times in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback.

Julia Steere led the Crimson Hawks with five goals, scoring three times in the opening period and adding two more in the second. Macenzie Haragos added three goals, while Mallorie LaGamba also finished with three, including a fourth-quarter score that helped halt Lock Haven's momentum.

IUP trailed 4-3 after the first period before taking over in the second. The Crimson Hawks scored five goals in the frame, including two from Steere and a pair from Haragos, to take an 8-4 halftime lead. They extended the advantage to 11-4 after three periods.

Alexi Crosby added a goal and was credited with the game-winner, while Mila Prusak facilitated the offense with four assists.

Lock Haven opened the game with four of the first five goals, getting two from Brynlee Pinschenat in the first period. Makayla Kelly finished with two goals and two assists, while Gabby Gunnip and Peyton Masters each scored twice.

The Bald Eagles surged late, scoring three power-play goals in the fourth period and cutting the deficit to 12-8 before adding a final goal in the closing seconds.

Lauren Legrand earned the win in goal for IUP, making 14 saves over nearly 49 minutes of action. Gretchen King took the loss for Lock Haven, stopping seven shots.

IUP held a 24-33 shot disadvantage but capitalized on scoring opportunities, placing 19 shots on goal and converting three free-position chances.