SCRANTON, P.A. – Despite outscoring Marywood University, 9-8, in the second half, the Mount Saint Mary College women's lacrosse team could not overcome the Pacers and fell by a score of 18-14 in their season opener. The Knights move to 0-1 on the season, while the Pacers improve to 1-0.

With less than thirty seconds elapsed on the clock the Pacers rattled off two quick goals to jump ahead. Mount freshman Ela Igdeler (Islip, N.Y.) interrupted the run, converting a free-position shot at the 29:17 mark. Both teams combined for four goals within the first minute of play, before settling into the game. Mount senior Ellen Cashin (Rockaway, N.Y.) buried a free-position attempt in the back of the cage to bring the Knights within one, 3-2, with just under 25 minutes to go in the half.

Marywood senior Taylor McKeown (Nashua, N.H.) fired home a pass from sophomore Sarah Caughy (Whippany, N.J.) and the Pacers erupted for a 5-0 run to gain a commanding 8-2 lead. Goals by Igdeler, sophomores Mikaely Whitehouse (Columbia, Conn.) and Erica Massmann (West Babylon, N.Y.) closed out the first half and brought the Knights to within five at the break, 10-5.

The Knights scored five of the first seven goals of the second half. Igdeler added her third of the night, while Cashin, Massmann, junior Kaileen Spadaro (Islip, N.Y.) and freshman Danielle Krupka (Kings Park, N.Y.) all found the back of the net. Krupka's goal brought the Knights to within two, 12-10, with over 18 minutes on the clock.

Three Marywood goals pushed the Pacers back up by five and back-to-back goals around the 13 minute mark put them on top 17-11. After being awarded a free-position attempt, Mount sophomore Nicole Palmieri (East Northport, N.Y.) scored her first goal of the night and goals by Igdeler and Spadaro followed. Spadaro's third goal of the night with 3:09 left in the game brought the Knights to within three, 17-14, but time expired before the Knights could get any closer.

In her collegiate debut, Igdeler led the Knighs with four goals and two assists. Massmann added two goals and one assist, while Spadaro recorded a hat trick. Cashin was the only other multiple goal scorer for the Mount, with two. Freshman goalie Lauren Beltrami (Islip, N.Y.) totaled 19 saves in her first career start.

McKeown led Marywood with six goals and one assist, while three other Pacers tallied hat tricks. In goal, sophomore Leigha Dolcemascolo (Milford, P.A.) recorded five saves.

The Knights return to the road on Saturday, March 3 for a non-conference contest against Hartwick College. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.