SCRANTON, Pa. — The University of Lynchburg women's lacrosse team dropped a tightly contested non-conference matchup at Marywood, 8-6, on Thursday afternoon.

The Hornets (7-2) and Pacers (5-5) opened with an offensive burst, as the teams combined for seven first-quarter goals, half of the game's total. Marywood emerged with a 4-3 lead and never relinquished it, as the matchup quickly settled into a defensive battle the rest of the way.

Marywood struck first just under four minutes into the contest, but the Hornets responded quickly. Sydney Dumas converted a free-position opportunity to even the score, sparking a three-goal run. Emmy Clay and Dumas added back-to-back tallies, with Dumas' second coming off a feed from Neely Morris, giving Lynchburg a 3-1 advantage with under four minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

The momentum shifted late in the period, however, as Marywood closed on a 3-0 run—including a goal in the final second—to take a 4-3 lead into the second.

Lynchburg found an answer early in the second quarter. McKenna Steinau capitalized on a free-position chance just 1:27 into the frame to level the score at 4-4. Both defenses tightened from there, with neither side able to break through for the remainder of the half.

Out of the break, Marywood regained the lead less than a minute into the third quarter and extended it with another goal later in the period. Lynchburg cut into the deficit when Morris finished a free-position attempt at the 9:50 mark, making it 6-5, but the hosts responded again to carry a 6-5 edge into the fourth.

Marywood created separation early in the final quarter, scoring twice—including a short-handed goal, to push the lead to 8-5. Steinau netted her second of the game with 3:31 remaining, but the Hornets were unable to complete the comeback.

Dumas and Steinau led Lynchburg with two goals apiece, while Clay and Morris each added a goal. Morris also contributed an assist. In goal, Olivia Owings made 12 saves to keep Lynchburg within striking distance.

Lynchburg held advantages in ground balls (22-23) and caused turnovers (9-6), but Marywood's edge in shots (27-22) and a strong closing effort proved decisive.

The Hornets will look to bounce back in their next outing as they continue conference play against EMU at home for senior day on Saturday, Mar. 21. 

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