(LEBANON, Ill., Mar. 1) – The McKendree University women's lacrosse team fell to 0-1 on the season after dropping their season and home opener to Rockhurst 15-12 late Friday night.
 
The Bearcats were the first on the board after sophomore midfielder Rylee Skachenko (Oceanside, CA/Carlsbad) found the back of the net, courtesy of a Kayla Smith (O'Fallon, IL/O'Fallon Township) assist. The Hawks were quick to respond by netting two quick goals, taking the lead 2-1. Rockhurst would extend to a 4-2 lead, until senior captain Hannah Sugarman (Holden, MA/Wachusett Regional) scored back to back goals, one of which assisted by senior co-captain Emily Nelson (Deephaven, MN/Holy Family Catholic) to knot things back at four. After a handful of back-and forth goals, Rockhurst headed into halftime with a 7-6 lead.
 
McKendree opened second half scoring early with a goal courtesy of Kayla Smith (O'Fallon, IL/O'Fallon Township), however the Hawks took over with three unanswered goals and maintained a sizeable margin through the remainder of the half. Despite two late goals from Bearcats Smith and freshman Kathryn Albrecht (Louisville, KY/Eastern High School), Rockhurst took home the win over McKendree 15-12. Skachenko finished with six draw controls and a team-high three goals.
 
Women's lacrosse will be back in action next Friday, March 8 when they travel to Tiffin, Ohio when they take on the Dragons of Tiffin University in another non-conference contest.