(Tampa, Flor., March 16) -- McKendree University women's lacrosse came up short in a hard-fought top 25 battle at the University of Tampa, falling 17-14. The Bearcats have now lost four games in a row and are currently 1-4 overall on the season.

McKendree started out strong, taking an early 4-0 advantage with two goals from senior Dana DiPasquale (St. Charles, MO/Barat Academy). The Spartans responded, finishing out the half on an 8-3 scoring run. The Bearcats took back the lead at 13-12 eighteen minutes in to the second half, but Tampa would end the game on a 5-1 scoring run to seal the victory.

Senior attacker Paige Salthouse (St. Louis, MO/Ursuline Academy) and freshman midfielder Rylee Skachenko (Oceanside, CA/Carlsbad) led the Bearcats in scoring with five goals each, while senior attacker Dana DiPasqaule recorded seven points with two goals and three assists on the evening.

Skachenko and DiPasquale also both earned five draw controls to lead McKendree in that category. Junior midfielder Hannah Sugarman (Holden, MA/Wachusett Regional) picked up a team-high five ground balls and four caused turnovers.

The Bearcats will open home play next weekend, as they will face Davenport University and Lindenwood University.