MUSKINGUM – The Franciscan women's lacrosse team battled until the final seconds of the game but its second half rally fell short as Muskingum came away with a 13-12 win over the Lady Barons, Wednesday evening.

"We really battled every second of that game," remarked head coach Maura Conant. "We fought our tails off until the final horn and I am proud of how the ladies played today."

The Lady Barons found themselves down 7-3 at halftime but were resolved to not let the gap get any bigger. Coming of out the break, junior Elizabeth Dawyot scored two quick goals, her first two of the contest, and senior Maryanna Leonard scored her first of the season to cut the lead to one goal, 7-6.

The Fighting Muskies went on a three goal tear to take a 10-6 lead with 17:06 to play in regulation but once again Dawyot buried two goals back to back to keep FUS within striking distance. After a Muskingum goal at 13:54, sophomore Elizabeth McEntee and junior Mary Krolicki found the back of the net to get the Lady Barons to within one goal once again, 11-10, with 10:55 left.

With 7:19 to play, Dawyot scored her fifth goal of the game to trim the Muskingum lead back to one. Krolicki won the ensuing draw control and helped set up the Lady Baron offense on their next possession. Franciscan set up its next play and sophomore Carly McDonald fed the ball back to Krolicki who put by the keeper to tie the game at 12-12 with 7:00 to play in the game.

Both Franciscan and Muskingum had chances late in the game, but freshman keeper Brittany Bain made a pair of saves and the Muskies goalie made a save to keep the game tied. With 27 seconds left, the Muskies were awarded a free position shot and Ashley Adams beat Bain just over her shoulder to put MC up, 13-12. McEntee was awarded a free position shot with six seconds left in the game but Muskingum came away with a big save to win 13-12.

Much of the first half was dominated by Muskingum as the Muskies led 6-1 with 8:56 to play. Senior Anne Foster snapped the four-goal streak for Muskingum with her first of the game with 4:40 to play before Krolicki scored her first goal at 3:34 to cut the lead to 6-3. Paige Watterman scored the last goal of the half to give Muskingum a 7-3 lead at the break.

"We were able to capitalize on our possessions and create offensive opportunities for ourselves today," remarked Coach Conant. "I am really looking forward to continuing to grow in chemistry on the field which will help us to continue to improve each game."

Franciscan owned the draw controls as the Lady Barons won 23 to Muskingum's four. Leading the way was Dawyot with eight while McDonald had five and Krolicki and McEntee each had four. Franciscan was 10-for-13 on clears and forced five turnovers.

Leading the Lady Baron offense was Dawyot with five goals while Krolicki added three. McEntee finished the day with a goal and a pair of assists.

"We got off to a slow start but I am incredibly proud of the girls and how they came back from a 6-1 hole and tied the game," continued Coach Conant.

The Lady Barons look to build on the late momentum as they host Transylvania on Sunday in a neutral site game at 1:00 pm at Ohio Wesleyan.