LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Mercyhurst field hockey team dropped its first game of the season 4-3 to Lindenwood University in a game played at Bellarmine University on Saturday.
 
The Lakers (0-1, 0-0) started off strong against Lions by scoring the game's first goal 3:04 in. Sophomore Katie Lechner intercepted a pass and beat Lindenwood goaltender Skyler Starbeck to give Mercyhurst the 1-0 advantage.
 
Just seven minutes later, the Lakers doubled their lead thanks to junior Nicolette Tomani. She scored her first goal of the season off a rebound to put the Lakers ahead by two.
 
Lindenwood bounced back to reduce Mercyhurst's lead back to one with 5:43 remaining in the first half. Bridget Hoogendijk netted her first of the season off a penalty corner to make the score 2-1 before halftime.
 
In the second half, Mercyhurst freshman Bryna Cook scored her first career goal less than three minutes in to make it 3-1 Lakers.
 
From there, the Lions began their comeback.  Tara Robben pulled Lindenwood back within one with 21:12 remaining. Graycen Dave scored with 14:44 left to tie the game at three.
 
Less than three minutes later, Robben notched her second of the game with a go-ahead goal that proved to be the game-winner, downing the Lakers 4-3. 
 
Mercyhurst takes the field again tomorrow, Sept. 4, against the host Bellarmine Knights at 11 a.m.