Women’s Lacrosse battles hard, splits 3-3 in April

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Christina Judy, Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Women’s Lacrosse team is currently holding a 3-3 record for the month of April.
Their three wins have been hard-fought and well-deserved, and their losses have been really close in score.
The Lakers have put forth much effort to prepare for this season and they have earned some great wins and moments for their program.
With the competitiveness of the PSAC, the Lakers had their work cut out for them and they wasted no time in preparing for the toughness of their opponents.
With teams like Slippery Rock University, Lock Haven University and the improving Gannon University, the Lakers have had to fight their hearts out for every goal, defense stop and success play on the field.
To start off the April springtime play, the Lakers defeated Slippery Rock University 13-10 on their home field with a celebratory game.
The importance of this win went beyond the scoreboard because the Lakers hosted their senior day to recognize the six seniors who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to bettering the program.
Additionally, the Lakers sought to spread awareness through dedicating this game as their Morgan’s Message game. Through this act, the women’s lacrosse team recognized and honored the struggle that people face with mental illness.
In the spirit of upholding this event, the Lakers went on to perform very well having a perfect 22-22 on their clears and plenty of defensive and offensive highlights to tally on the stat sheet.
Only days later the Lakers faced their cross-town rivals, Gannon University, and fell to the Knights in a 9-10 loss.
The scoreboard is not the whole story, the Lakers fought relentlessly, and this game was taken as a mindset lesson.
After falling to Lock Haven by one point earlier in their season, the Lakers had a chance to redeem themselves.
They took this opportunity and beat the Bald Eagles in this PSAC matchup to enhance their conference record.
With incredible statistics from individual players, they Lakers were sure to come up victorious.
Maggie Newton netted six goals and Marlee Antinora had a hat trick to help solidify the win.
They also capitalized on draw controls, recording 18 which certainly created the offensive opportunities that were graced with success.
Traveling for a game brings about its challenges and the Lakers felt that when facing IUP. Despite their hard-working efforts, they came up short to the Crimson Hawks with a score of 12-14.
The Lakers did not perform as they usually do in terms of draw controls as IUP overtook that category. However, the Laker spirit never died because their effort is the heart of their success.
They recorded 16 ground balls which are imperative to creating offensive opportunities.
A great team win followed when Mercyhurst took on Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and claimed a 20-3 victory.
Some fantastic and selfless team play gave many players the chance to showcase their skills. Mackenzie Murphy, traditionally a defender, scored two goals!
Many freshman also had their first goals of the season including Emma Cimino, Alex Finocchario, Brenna Smith, and Nicole Hetzer!
The Lakers must continue to play with intensity and heart to help their team advance and make the PSAC playoffs.