Four-Game Home Win Streak Snapped as Lady Raiders Fall to Mercyhurst
Apr. 14, 2007
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - A four-game home winning streak for the Shippensburg women's lacrosse team was snapped on Saturday as the visiting Lakers of Mercyhurst exploded for nine first half-goals en route to a 14-9 victory at Robb Sports Complex.
From the onset, it appeared as if Shippensburg (5-6) would fare well, as the Lady Raiders recorded two goals in the first two minutes from junior Kristin Crutchfield (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) to hold the lead.
After a timeout following the Lakers' first goal of the game at 8:22, Mercyhurst (4-4) erupted for three consecutive goals and would outscore the Lady Raiders 8-1 for the remainder of the half.
Despite a hat trick from Crutchfield, who has scored 43 goals on the season, it was Mercyhurst who dictated the flow of play, out-shooting Shippensburg 16-9 at the half and leading in draw controls by a 9-4 margin.
The offensive attack from the Lakers also managed to keep Shippensburg off the scoreboard for a prolonged period of time, as Shippensburg went more than 21 minutes between goals.
After Crutchfield's third goal at 16:38 brought the score to 4-3, it was not until freshman Liz DiNunno (Bel Air, Md./Fallston) scored at 38:09 that the Lady Raiders would record their fourth goal of the game.
By that time, Mercyhurst was comfortably leading 11-4.
Trailing by eight goals with under six minutes to play, Shippensburg attempted a late rally by scoring three goals in three minutes. Freshman Leigh Mellon (Paoli/Great Valley) and junior Katie Irwin (Aston/Cardinal O'Hara) recorded goals while junior Brita Paul (Salisbury, Md./James Bennett) added her second of the game, but it would simply be too little too late.
Shippensburg freshman Sandy Sigel (Downingtown/Downingtown) added two assists, while freshman Lauren Marron (Macungie/Emmaus) finished with nine saves.
Mercyhurst's scoring attack was led by Breanna Haggerty, who finished with five goals, while goaltender Jessica Raniero recorded 13 saves to keep Shippensburg at bay.
While the home winning streak may be over, the Lady Raiders have still recorded victories in four of their last six games, and will look to improve their record tomorrow against Slippery Rock. Game time from is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
- Lady Raider Lacrosse -
