ERIE, PA – The Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team was victorious in their home opener on Friday afternoon as they defeated Tiffin University by an 18-5 margin. Julia Ruscio led the Laker attack with four goals while Maggie Newton recorded a game-high six points on three goals and three assists.

The Lakers jumped out on top of the Dragons early as they outscored the Dragon 7-1 in the quarter. Ruscio started the game by scoring the first goal less than a minute into the action. After her score, the Dragons tallied their only score of the quarter before the Lakers went on a 6-0 run to close out the quarter that included goals from Ruscio, Maggie Newton, Megan Millard, and Rachel Hirst.

In the second period it was all Lakers once again, the Dragons scored the first score of the quarter before the Lakers made another run, this time Mercyhurst scored seven goals in a row. To take a 14-2 lead into the halftime break. Newton collected two goals in the quarter as did Victoria Gottorff. Ruscio, Meghan Nasman, and Gabby McGinn recorded the other three Laker goals scored in the quarter.

In the second half, the Lakers went on to outscore the Dragons 4-3. They received goals from Sarah Kaska, Heather Greenway, Meghan Nasman, and Lauren Cain who all scored for the first time this season. Both Kaitlyn Lippert and freshman Paige Maneri spent time in goal for the Lakers. Lippert earned the win saving three Dragon shots while Maneria collected her first two collegiate saves.

The Lakers will return to action next week on the road against Walsh University on Wednesday, the opening draw will take place at 3:00 o'clock.