(LEBANON, Ill., March 20) -  The McKendree women's lacrosse team used a 14-goal first half to defeat Colorado State University-Pueblo 19-12 Monday (March 20) afternoon at Leemon Field. With the victory McKendree moves over the .500 mark to 4-3 overall.

It did not take any time for the Bearcats' offense to get started. McKendree scored seven of the first eight goals in the first fifteen minutes. During the run, there were four different goal scorers with Victoria Lelo (Auckland, New Zealand/Westlake) connecting twice on free position shots.

Tacking on seven more in the final fifteen minutes of the first half, McKendree took a 14-3 lead into the break.

The Thunderwolves did not go away easy, opening up the first ten minutes of the second half on a 4-1 run. Sophomore Hannah Sugarman (Holden, MA/Wachusett Regional ) asserted her dominance on the turf scoring three of the Bearcats' five goals down the stretch. Sugarman would finish with a match-high six goals.

Both teams would trade off goals midway through the second, prior to one last comeback effort by the Thunderwolves.

Despite being outscored 9-5 in the second half, McKendree held on down the stretch for a 19-12 win.

In the cage, senior and GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week Amy Porta (Ellisville, MO/Marquette) faced 20 shots on goal, while collected eight saves.

The Bearcats will be back in tomorrow, March 21, as they travel to No. 2 Lindenwood University for a non-conference matchup. Opening draw is scheduled for 3 p.m.