Erie, Pa. – Behind a balanced scoring effort, the No. 8 Mercyhurst College women's lacrosse team was able to overcome a late deficit and defeat seventh-ranked Gannon by a score of 12-11 Tuesday afternoon in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division contest at Tullio Field.

Overall, seven different Lakers found the back of the net. Sophomore Kimberly Masterton led the way with four goals and an assist for five points. Seniors Breanna Haggerty and Jessie Horeth added four points apiece, with Haggerty posting hat-trick and a helper and Horeth marking a goal and a game-high three assists. Junior Kristie Jennings notched a goal and an assist for two points. Seniors Kristen Toomey and Katy Miller and freshman Ally Keirn rounded out the scoring with a goal each.

Despite jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the opening minutes, the Lakers found themselves on their heels as Gannon manufactured an 8-1 scoring run that ate up nearly 24 minutes of the game. Krista Schunk scored five of her game-high seven goals to push the Golden Knights out to an 8-6 advantage to start the second.

Mercyhurst battled back though, scoring four consecutive goals over a span of 6:31 to take a 10-8 lead at the midway point.

Gannon tied the game at 10-10 nearing the 14-minute mark, but ensuing scores from Haggerty and Toomey coupled with a strong defensive effort sealed game. The Lakers held the Golden Knights to just one goal in the final 10 minutes.

In net, junior Maeve McGoff earned the victory with eight saves while counterpart Acacia Cooke registered 12 stops. Mercyhurst held a 31-26 advantage in shots.

The Lakers return to action this weekend with a contest against Queens on Saturday, March 14 at 12 p.m. in Annapolis, Md.