WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team (2-10, 2-5 NEC) secured a 12-7 victory over Howard (3-11, 2-5 NEC) on Saturday at Greene Stadium. The Laker defense forced 18 turnovers, contributing significantly to the win.

The first quarter began with the Lakers showing early control by winning the initial draw, courtesy of Whitley Easton. Despite some turnovers, their defense held firm, with goalie Maggie Allen making a crucial save on a free-position attempt to keep Howard from extending its lead after Leah Croom's opening goal for Howard.

The Lakers found their rhythm midway through the quarter when Emma Cimino scored to level the game at 1-1. The team continued to press, with Audrey Seibold earning a free position attempt although her shot went wide. The Lakers closed the quarter maintaining the score at 1-1, setting a competitive tone for the subsequent quarters.

In the second quarter, the Lakers gained momentum early with a free position goal by Brynn Hall, followed by Easton scoring off a draw control. The team's defense capitalized on Howard's turnovers, enabling Cimino to net a goal, extending the lead. Despite Howard's response with a player-up goal, Nicole Hetzer scored for the Green and Blue, assisted by Easton, maintaining their advantage.

Cimino added another goal, assisted by Maggie Sheehan, to increase the Lakers' lead. Howard attempted to close the gap, but Mercyhurst's Allen made key saves, and Payton Platz secured a ground ball to end the quarter. The Lakers closed the quarter leading 6-3.

The Lakers opened the third quarter with a defensive stop, as Allen saved a free position shot by Leah Croom. Platz secured the ground ball, leading to Seibold scoring to increase the lead. Easton gained control of the draw, but a turnover followed, though the Lakers quickly regained possession with Katie Ventresca causing a turnover and recovering the ground ball.

The Green and Blue then executed a series of successful clears and scoring plays, with Cimino netting a goal assisted by Easton, followed by Easton herself scoring twice more from free position shots. Natalie Wilson controlled the draw, setting up another goal for Easton, assisted by Camryn Trybuskiewicz. Despite Howard's attempts to respond, the Lakers maintained their momentum, closing the quarter with a commanding 11-3 lead.

The Lakers opened the fourth quarter with the lead, but Howard quickly gained momentum. Howard's Sophia Lima scored at 13:35, followed by a goal from Sawyer Walker at 12:37, narrowing the Lakers' lead. Lima added another goal at 12:16 during a player-up situation, prompting Mercyhurst to take a timeout with the score at 11-7.

After the timeout, the Green and Blue's Easton secured a draw control, but turnovers hindered progress. The Bison capitalized with Leah Croom scoring at 10:15. Despite the pressure, the Lakers responded with strong defensive plays, including a key save by Jameson at 3:22, preventing further scoring.

Mercyhurst's Seibold, assisted by Katie Gleason, managed to score at 2:08, extending the lead to 12-7. The quarter closed with the Lakers maintaining control and securing a final clear, ending the game with a 12-7 victory.

Cimino led the offense with four goals on seven shots, including a game-winning goal. Easton contributed four goals and added two assists, finishing with five shots on goal. Seibold scored twice from four shots, with one goal unassisted. Allen played a key role in goal, making six saves while conceding three goals.

The Lakers will return back home next Saturday for senior day and Mercyhurst lacrosse's 30th anniversary.