OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Highlighted by three points from senior Kathryn Merrick and the second-straight game-winning goal from sophomore Olivia Monteiro, the No. 20 Stevenson women's lacrosse team defeated Farmingdale State at Mustang Stadium Friday, 9-8.

The Mustangs (3-3), who won their second-straight game by one goal, have tallied eight wins in their last nine home games dating back to last season. In four seasons at Mustang Stadium, the team has compiled a 22-6 record.

The hosts jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first 6:33 with goals by freshman Hollie Larrimore and junior Tori Wagner in a seven-second span. Six different goal scorers highlighted Stevenson's first half, the last coming from Merrick that extended the Mustangs lead to 6-1.

The Rams (0-1) cut the deficit to three at the break as they scored twice in the final 2:41. Brittany Rosino scored twice for Farmingdale State in the opening half while Nicole Marzocca assisted on all three goals.

Senior Amanda LeGar scored her second goal of the day to open the second half, but the Rams scored four-straight, including two in a span of 1:27, to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:20 remaining.

Farmingdale State won the ensuing draw control and had an opportunity to take its first lead, but senior Leanne Bittner came up with her seventh save of the day. At the other end, Merrick stopped Stevenson's 18:33 scoreless streak as the hosts reclaimed the lead, 8-7.

Just over three minutes later, Merrick found a cutting Monteiro to give the Mustangs a two-goal cushion.

Marzocca tallied her fifth assist of the day as Kristen Ranaldo got the Rams back within one at 2:47, but that would be as close as Farmingdale State would get as the Mustangs forced the Rams' 21st turnover with 17 seconds remaining.

The Mustangs outshot Farmingdale Sate 41-23, including 22-10 in the first half, while also holding a 24-12 advantage in ground balls.

Junior Jordan Porretto finished with two assists, five ground balls, two draw controls and a caused turnover while sophomore Rachael Akshar added five ground balls and one caused turnover.

Krista Spagnoletta totaled 17 saves for the Rams.

Stevenson returns to action on Tuesday, March 17 when the Mustangs travel to Bradenton, Florida for two non-conference contests. The team opens with Vassar at 9:30 a.m., before facing Clarkson at 7:00 p.m.