Box Score READING, Pa. - The duo of junior Tori Wagner and senior Kathryn Merrick combined for nine points on six goals and three assists as the Stevenson women's lacrosse team allowed just one second half goal en route to a 10-6 Commonwealth Conference victory versus Albright Saturday afternoon at Wilson High School.
The win snapped the Mustangs' (5-6, 1-1 MAC) three-game losing streak as the team improved its conference record to 15-2 in two-plus seasons. Both losses have come against current 18th-ranked Messiah.
Merrick won the opening draw control and scored just 11 seconds into the game for her fifth first minute goal dating back to last season. Stevenson going 5-0 in those games.
The Lions (7-3, 1-1 MAC) however, responded just 48 seconds later to tie the game at 1-1. There were four ties in the opening half as the teams traded the first four goals. The Mustangs won four of the six draw controls following an Albright goal.
Unassisted goals by Wagner and junior Carli Bafford gave the Mustangs a two-goal lead but Albright scored twice just a minute apart to level the game at 4-4. Sophomore Olivia Monteiro put Stevenson ahead with 1:57 remaining in the opening half but Amanda Smith scored her team leading 31st goal of the season, leveling the game at the break.
Led by three points by Wagner and two by senior Amanda LeGar, the Mustangs scored four goals over a 22:45 span in the second half. Wagner dished out two assists while Merrick scored twice in the half.
The Mustangs defense nearly held the Lions scoreless in the second half but the hosts got a goal by Erin Farrell with 27 seconds remaining. Stevenson forced a season-high 26 turnovers while holding a 27-16 advantage in shots.
Merrick finished with three draw controls, three caused turnovers and three ground balls while LeGar totaled three caused turnovers and three ground balls. Bafford added four draw controls and three ground balls.
Stevenson returns to action on Wednesday, April 8 when the Mustangs look to improve to a perfect 14-0 against in-state rival Hood. Opening draw is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.