ERIE, Pa. —
Whitley Easton and
Emma Cimino combined for 12 goals as the Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team (3-10, 2-5) secured a 17–13 victory over Delaware State University (0-15, 0-7) on Senior Day.
The Lakers opened the first quarter assertively, with
Camryn Trybuskiewicz scoring the initial goal at 12:41, setting the pace for the home team's offensive momentum. Cimino secured a critical draw control, allowing the team to maintain possession and ultimately lead to Trybuskiewicz's second goal at 09:35. Cimino's performance was particularly notable as she tallied her 100th career point during the game.
Easton continued to extend the Lakers' lead, scoring twice, including a player-up goal assisted by
Katie Napier. This was part of Easton's career-high goal count in a single game.
Natalie Wilson also found the net during a player-up opportunity, further capitalizing on the Hornets' penalties. Cimino added two more goals, one assisted by Easton and another from a free position shot.
As the quarter concluded, Easton scored another goal, and despite Delaware State's two late goals, the Lakers maintained a commanding 9–2 lead, demonstrating strong control over the game.
The Lakers opened the second quarter with a strong start as Easton scored a player-down goal, maintaining offensive pressure. After Delaware State responded with a goal from Madden Alexander, the Lakers regained momentum with
Nicole Hetzer scoring on a player-up advantage.
The quarter continued with Mercyhurst capitalizing on its opportunities, as Easton added another player-down goal, followed by a free position shot goal from Cimino. Easton then extended the lead further with her third goal of the quarter. The Lakers concluded the period with a commanding 14–4 lead, showcasing effective scoring and defensive play throughout.
The Lakers began the third quarter with a draw control by Easton, setting the stage for the period. Easton's 13 draw controls in this game now rank second all-time in single-game school records. Despite several offensive efforts, including a shot by
Keira Mangels saved by Delaware State's Kimaari Mondy, the Lakers' offense faced challenges as the Hornets capitalized on a player-up opportunity with Madison Gibson scoring early in the quarter.
The Lakers continued to control several draws, with Easton securing another, but Delaware State extended its scoring with a goal from Blake Tutman. Mercyhurst's defense responded with key turnovers, including one caused by
Katie Ventresca, but struggled to convert these into goals.
As the period neared its end, Delaware State added another goal by Tutman. The Green and Blue maintained possession control through draw controls by Easton, but could not close the scoring gap. The quarter closed with Mercyhurst leading 14–7.
The Hornets opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push, notching two quick goals from Madison Gibson and Ceanna McGirt. This momentum allowed it to narrow the gap on Mercyhurst's lead. However, Easton responded with a crucial goal on a free position shot, maintaining the home team's advantage.
Midway through the quarter, Delaware State's Ceanna McGirt and Blake Tutman each scored, bringing the visitors closer. The Lakers' defense held firm, with standout plays from
Emma Cimino and
Whitley Easton, leading to a goal by
Nicole Hetzer assisted by Easton, which further solidified their lead.
In the final minutes, Easton added another goal from a free position, her second of the quarter. Her eighth goal marked a single-game career high goals per game for Easton. Despite Delaware State's late goals, the Lakers closed the game with a 17–13 victory, securing the win on home ground.
Easton led with an impressive eight goals and two assists, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Cimino added four goals on eight shots, including two from free positions. Trybuskiewicz efficiently converted both of her shots into goals. Hetzer recorded two goals, one of which was a player-up goal, adding depth to the scoring. Additionally,
AJ Jameson made her 150th career save, anchoring the defense effectively.
The Green and Blue have a record of 3-10 overall and 2-5 in conference play. Delaware State holds a record of 0-15 overall and 0-7 in conference play.