No. 5 Women's Lacrosse Loses 6-5 Decision to No. 2 Le Moyne in NCAA's

5/14/2016 8:27:00 PM

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (May 14, 2016) - The No. 5/6 and third-seeded LIU Post women's lacrosse team erased a three-goal second-half deficit Saturday afternoon, but fell by a 6-5 score to No. 2 and second-seeded Le Moyne College in an NCAA Division II Championship quarterfinal at Ted Grant Field.

Trailing 4-1 early in the second half, the Pioneers (17-4) scored three unanswered goals to pull the game even at 4-all at the 15:02 mark. Freshman midfielder Ryan McKinney (Downingtown, Pa.) sparked the run with her second free-position tally of the day. Senior defender/midfielder Honey Roche (Centerport, N.Y.) netted the equalizer in similar fashion.

Later in the period, LIU Post looked to break a 5-5 tie, after a yellow card to Le Moyne's (18-2) Jacqueline Pardee (Camillus, N.Y.) awarded the Pioneers a two-minute extra-man opportunity.

The Dolphins quickly killed off the two-minute penalty though, and went on the offensive. Senior attacker Maggie Monnat (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) notched the go-ahead goal with 2:18 remaining, putting the hosts ahead 6-5.

Despite losing the subsequent draw, the Pioneers forced a turnover in the final minute and eventually earned a potential game-tying free-position attempt in the dwindling seconds.

However, junior attacker Connor Bird (Syosset, N.Y.) had her shot blocked by an opposing defender, as the final horn sounded in Syracuse.

In addition to her two goals, McKinney scooped up two ground balls and caused two turnovers. Roche and junior defender Kelly Backus (Oceanside, N.Y.) forced two turnovers apiece, as well.

Between the pipes, sophomore goalie Olivia Kirk (Farmingdale, N.Y.) made five saves in the effort. Senior cageminder Ryan Cortese (Brewerton, N.Y.) stopped six shots for the Dolphins.

LIU Post held a slight 16-13 edge in ground balls and converted 3-of-7 (42.8 percent) free-position shots. The Pioneers were also 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) on clears in the contest.

Head Coach Meghan McNamara and her LIU Post squad have concluded the 2016 campaign, which saw them capture their second-straight East Coast Conference title. For more information on the Pioneers' women's lacrosse program, please continue to check back at LIUPostPioneers.com.