ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team fell to Duquesne 21-4 on Wednesday at Saxon Stadium. Despite the loss, the Lakers managed to score twice in the third quarter and had 12 shots on goal.

The opening quarter saw Mercyhurst facing a challenging start against Duquesne. Despite controlling an early ground ball through Maggie Allen, the Green and Blue struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Duquesne's Chelsea Evans initiated the scoring, and the visitors maintained momentum with a series of successful draw controls and goals.

The Lakers called a timeout following the Dukes' third goal, attempting to regroup. However, the visiting team continued to extend its advantage. Allen made key saves, but Duquesne's persistent attack led to a 9-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Duquesne extended its lead early in the second quarter with Gracin Emerson scoring, followed by Raines netting a man-up goal. The Lakers encountered challenges in maintaining possession but managed successful clears and defensive stops.

Despite another goal from the Dukes, the Lakers continued to press, with Whitley Easton controlling a pivotal draw. In the final seconds, Easton capitalized on a free position shot to score Mercyhurst's first goal of the match, narrowing the deficit at the end of the quarter.

Mercyhurst entered the third quarter facing an uphill battle. After conceding an early goal to Duquesne, the Lakers responded with a goal by Emma Cimino, assisted by Maggie Sheehan, narrowing the deficit. Camryn Trybuskiewicz then added her first goal of the season, assisted by Easton, bringing the score closer.

Despite a defensive effort, including a save by AJ Jameson on a free position shot, Duquesne extended its lead with goals by Ali Evans and Addison Scanlon, the latter coming in a man-up situation. The quarter ended with Mercyhurst trailing as Duquesne maintained its advantage.

The Lakers faced a challenging fourth quarter as the Dukes extended their lead early with a goal by Raines at 13:33. Duquesne continued to control possession and added another goal, followed by a man-up score, widening the gap. Despite Mercyhurst's defensive efforts, including saves by Jameson, Duquesne maintained its momentum.

The Lakers found a breakthrough when Easton scored at 4:02, marking a key moment for the home team. Easton also contributed defensively, causing turnovers that helped Mercyhurst regain possession. However, Duquesne responded with another goal in the closing seconds, solidifying its lead. The quarter ended with Duquesne ahead 21-4.

Easton led the charge for the Lakers, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Cimino contributed offensively with a goal on six shots, five of which were on target. Trybuskiewicz added a goal, successfully converting her lone shot attempt. Sheehan provided an assist to aid Mercyhurst's scoring efforts.

The Lakers have an overall record of 0-3. Duquesne holds an overall record of 1-3.

The Lakers will start a one month road stretch at Canisius Tuesday, March 5.