ST. JOSEPH, MO – McKendree University women's lacrosse opened their 2024 campaign on the road against Missouri Western University. 

Scoring the first goal of the year for the Bearcats was junior Jenna Sugarman with an unassisted score to tie the game at 1-1 at the 11:44 mark of the first quarter.  

The Bearcats fell into a 9-3 hole at the half and were not able to come out on top after being outscored 8-5 throughout the second half and ultimately fell 17-8. 

Senior Olivia Julian and Sugarman both scored three goals and sophomore Jayna Barnden added two goals to round out the scoring for the Bearcats. 

The Bearcats travel to Minnesota and Michigan next weekend where they play Concordia University, Saint Paul and Northern Michigan University.