NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team (1-6, 1-1) secured a decisive 16-7 victory over CCSU (0-8, 0-2) at Arute Field on Saturday. The Lakers' seven player-up goals propelled them past CCSU with a balanced offensive effort across all four quarters.

The first quarter began with the Blue Devils taking an early lead, scoring twice in the initial minutes. However, the Green and Blue responded with a series of strategic plays. Camryn Trybuskiewicz capitalized on a player-up situation to put the Lakers on the board with a free position goal at 11:10.

The Lakers continued to build momentum as Whitley Easton scored, leveling the score at 2-2. This marked the beginning of a remarkable performance for Easton, who went on to record a season-high six goals in the game. The team maintained its pressure, and Nicole Hetzer added another goal from a free position attempt, giving the Lakers a 3-2 advantage. The quarter concluded with the Lakers holding the lead, showcasing a strong defensive effort, including multiple saves by Maggie Allen.

The Lakers capitalized on their offensive opportunities in the second quarter, beginning with a goal by Trybuskiewicz at 9:17. The scoring continued with a player-up free position goal by Natalie Wilson at 8:32, extending the lead. Easton was instrumental, securing draw controls and assisting Maggie Sheehan's goal at 7:59, further boosting the Lakers' advantage.

The Blue Devils responded with a goal by Kaitlin Flynn at 7:00, narrowing the margin. However, the Lakers answered back as Emma Cimino scored with an assist from Easton at 4:33. CCSU managed another goal by Flynn at 3:32, but the Green and Blue maintained their lead to close the quarter at 7–4.

The Lakers opened the third quarter with a strong offensive push. Cimino capitalized on a player-up opportunity with a goal from a free position shot, setting the tone early. Hetzer followed with another player-up goal, assisted by Trybuskiewicz, extending the Lakers' lead.

Continuing the momentum, Easton scored from a free position shot, further increasing the lead. Central Connecticut State responded with a goal by Audrey Canata, but the Lakers maintained control. Easton added to the tally with a late goal, assisted by Keira Mangels, who recorded a season-high of four assists in the game.

The quarter concluded with the Lakers leading 11–5, building a significant advantage heading into the final quarter.

The Lakers opened the fourth quarter with strategic defensive and offensive plays, highlighted by Emma McCaffery's free position goal at 11:15. Following a save by Allison Lyon, Ashley Woodward extended the lead with a goal assisted by Keira Mangels, marking Woodward's first goal of her career and bringing the score to 14–5.

The Lakers maintained momentum as Easton scored twice, first on a free position shot and then with another goal assisted by Mangels, increasing the advantage to 16–5 with 6:47 remaining. Central Connecticut State responded with two goals, narrowing the margin to 16–7.

Despite the Blue Devil's late attempts, including a goal by Bella Magliozzo at 00:40, the Green and Blue secured the quarter's final tally when Easton found the net with just five seconds left, finalizing the score at 16–7. The Lakers concluded the quarter with a decisive performance.

Easton led the scoring with six goals and added two assists, demonstrating her effectiveness on the attack. Cimino contributed significantly with two goals and maintained accuracy with all five of her shots on target. Trybuskiewicz added two goals and one assist, showcasing her precision by converting both of her shot attempts. Hetzer tallied two goals, both on player-up situations, underscoring her impact in crucial situations.

Mercyhurst has a record of 1-6, 1-1. Central Conn. St. has a record of 0-8, 0-2. The Lakers will travel to Syracuse Wednesday to face Le Moyne.