KENT, Ohio — The Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team fell to Kent State with a final score of 17-9 on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Lakers managed three power-play goals, including two successful free-position shots.

The Lakers began the first quarter with early momentum, capitalizing on a man-up opportunity as Whitley Easton and Emma Cimino secured back-to-back goals to take a 2-0 lead. Despite Kent State's response, the Green and Blue maintained offensive pressure, as Cimino added another goal with an assist from Maggie Sheehan, pushing the lead to 3-1.

Kent State then mounted a comeback, scoring four consecutive goals to gain a 5-3 advantage. Mercyhurst responded with determination, as Hannah Young found the net with an assist from Easton, and Audrey Seibold scored in the final minute to close the quarter. The Lakers trailed by one, with a score of 6-5 in favor of Kent State at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with Kent State gaining momentum, capitalizing on a turnover to secure the first goal of the quarter. Despite defensive efforts, the Lakers struggled to contain the Golden Flash's offensive pressure. Kent State extended its lead with a series of goals, including man-up opportunities that exploited Mercyhurst's penalties.

The Lakers found a spark late in the quarter when Cimino scored a man-up goal with an assist from Young, narrowing the deficit slightly. However, Kent State responded promptly, adding to its tally before the quarter closed. The second quarter ended with Kent State leading 12-6.

The third quarter began with the Golden Flash extending its lead as Riley Floyd scored early, assisted by Katlyn Binnix. The Lakers responded with Easton finding the net, narrowing the gap briefly. However, Kent State quickly regained momentum with Morgan Halli and Lizzie Lundeen adding to their tally, the latter capitalizing on a man-up situation.

Despite a draw control by Payton Platz, the Lakers struggled to convert opportunities, with Sydney Davis making key saves against shots from Easton and others. Kent State capitalized on these stops, with Meghan Haddow scoring again to further extend its lead.

As the quarter continued, the Lakers faced challenges in penetrating the Kent State defense, with multiple shots saved by Davis. Kent State added another goal from Riley Floyd in the final seconds, closing the quarter at 17-7 in favor of Kent State.

Mercyhurst initiated a momentum shift early in the fourth quarter. Young found the back of the net with an assist from Katie Napier at 9:28, narrowing the gap. Shortly after, Natalie Wilson secured a crucial draw control, setting up the Lakers for another scoring opportunity.

Cimino capitalized on a man-up situation with a free position goal at 2:19, closing the deficit further. Despite Kent State's attempts and a robust defense led by the Green and Blue's Maggie Allen with multiple saves, the quarter concluded with Mercyhurst behind 17-9.

Cimino led the team with four goals on five shots, converting two of her goals on power plays. Easton contributed two goals and one assist, making the most of her six shots, including one from a free position. Young added to the scoring with two goals and one assist, successfully finding the net with all three of her shots. Seibold also joined the scoresheet with a goal from her single shot attempt.

The Lakers will play Xavier in their next matchup.