The Shippensburg University women’s lacrosse team put forth a valiant effort on Saturday afternoon from Mihalik-Thompson Stadium but could not overcome two big deficits against Slippery Rock, dropping a 13-9 decision in PSAC play on a day in which the two squads joined together to “Stick it to Cancer.”
SU fell behind by 4-0 and 6-1 margins in the first half but rallied before the intermission by scoring three consecutive goals and holding The Rock scoreless over the final 13 minutes of the opening frame. SU was also down 10-4 with less than 20 minutes to play but used a four-goal run to get within two goals of the lead in the final seven minutes.
SRU used a 16-9 advantage on draw controls to establish the tempo. The Rock ultimately put the game away in the final three minutes with goals from Holly Webb and Casey Quinn. Webb led all players with four goals.
Bennett Widlake scored a hat trick for the Raiders to bring her season goal total to 19. Widlake and Liz French each finished the game with four caused turnovers and four groundball pickups. French also impressed with three draw controls.
Lindsey Kennedy scored two goals and had an assist to go along with three groundballs. In two games this weekend, Kennedy totaled six goals and three assists. Courtney Kennedy matched her sister with two goals, an assist and three groundballs.
Kayla Dalzell and Sheila Johnson also added goals for SU. Dalzell assisted on Widlake’s goal in the first half, which was SU’s first tally of the game.
Ali Cross continued to perform well in front of the cage, recording a career-high 12 saves. Seven of her stops came on free-position attempts.
SU continues PSAC play at 4 p.m. today with a home match against Kutztown from Robb Sports Complex.
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