(Lebanon, Ill., April. 13) -- McKendree University women's lacrosse edged out the #25 Tiffin University Dragons in a nail bitter on Friday evening at Leemon Field, claiming the victory by a score of 21-20. The Bearcats are currently on a three game winning streak, and improve to 5-8 overall and 4-4 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action.

Both teams led by as many as two in the first half, with the Bearcats taking a 10-9 advantage into the break, thanks to goal by senior attacker Mia Fiore (Eureka, MO/Eureka High School). McKendree found themselves down by two goals with six minutes remaining in the game, but responded with three un-answered tallies in the final five minutes to win the match. Senior attacker Dana DiPasquale (St. Charles, MO/Barat Academy) scored two of those goals, including the game winner.

The Bearcats outshot Tiffin by a mark of 37-35 and won the battle in the circle, controlling three more draws than the Dragons. Tiffin struggled taking care of the ball, turning it over 12 times, while McKendree only gave it up a total of eight times.

DiPasquale led the Bearcats on offense, earning six goals and four assists, while junior attacker Emily Nelson (Deephaven, MN/Holy Family Catholic) and junior midfielder Hannah Sugarman (Holden, MA/Wachusett Regional) both had four goals each. Senior attacker Paige Salthouse (St. Louis, MO/Ursuline Academy) recorded four points and picked up three ground balls on the night. Sophomore Collin Patton (Wildwood, MO/Eureka) made nine saves in net for the Bearcats, earning her fifth win of the season.

McKendree will honor four seniors on Saturday afternoon as they host the #13 Grand Valley State University Lakers in a GLIAC contest.