(Lebanon, Ill., Feb. 24) – The McKendree University women's lacrosse team dropped their season opener to the defending national champion Florida Southern College Mocs in a 18-14 contest this afternoon.

The Bearcats jumped on the scoreboard early as Dana DiPasquale (St. Charles, MO/Barat Academy) netted the first McKendree goal of the 2017 campaign in the second minute of play. Bree Suter (Westminster, MD/Winters Mill) increased the lead to 2-0 as she tallied an even strength goal moments later.

The Mocs then went on a four-goal run to take the lead at 4-2. Meghan O'Brien led the way offensively for Florida Southern providing eight points on the day, contributing on the first four points for the Mocs.

Ola Abdallah (Florissant, MO/Hazelwood West) would capitalize on a free position shot to cut the lead to one at 4-3. The Mocs would rally back with two even strength goals to put the score at 6-3.

McKendree would put together a rally to tie the score up at six with goals from Victoria Lelo (Auckland, New Zealand/Westlake) and Paige Salthouse (St. Louis, MO/Ursuline Academy). The Mocs answered back with a four-goal streak of their own to break the game open. The Bearcats and Mocs would trade goals back and forth but McKendree could only close the gap to three scores.

Salthouse and Lelo led the way for McKendree both contributing four points on the day. Salthouse netted four goals while Lelo provided three and one helper.

Amy Porta (Ellisville, MO/Marquette) picked up two saves on the day in cage while facing 20 shots.

The McKendree women's lacrosse team is back in action on Sunday at home as they host Rockhurst University at 12:00 p.m.