Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Women's Lacrosse team opened their 2024 regular season with a matchup against #5 Grand Valley State. The Lakers battled the number five team in the country, but Grand Valley came away with a 17-8 win.  

How it Happened 

After Grand Valley got out to a 1-0 lead, the Lakers scored four unanswered goals to take a 4-1 lead. Whitley Easton had two goals in that stretch, and Marlee Antinora and Emma Cimino each added one. Grand Valley added on right before the end of the quarter, but the Lakers held a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

After trailing for most of the first quarter, Grand Valley scored nine times in the second quarter. The Lakers were able to get one of their own, courtesy of Whitley Easton.  

Grand Valley scored five goals to the Lakers one goal in the third quarter. The lone Laker goal came from Marlee Antinora. After three quarters the Lakers were down 16-6.  

Early in the fourth quarter Grand Valley grabbed another goal to go up 17-6. After a penalty on Grand Valley and a turnover forced by Marlee Antinora, Meghan Nasman came down with a man advantage and scored. Whitley Easton was able to get one more late goal for the Lakers to make it 17-8, but time ran out on a possible comeback.   

Highlights 

Whitley Eason scored four times and added an assist for five points.  

Marlee Antinora scored twice on four shots. 

Emma Cimino had a goal and an assist. 

Gabby McGinn had three assists. 

Meghan Nasman scored her first of the season. 

Brynn Hall recorded an assist.  

Paige Maneri stopped eight shots in goal.  

The Lakers were 14/17 on clears in the game.  

Next Up 

The Lakers will return to action on Thursday when they host Georgian Court. Start time for that game is set for 2:00 PM.