PHILADELPHIA – Lacrosse fell to Lehigh 9-6 on Saturday afternoon to even its record at 1-1 on the season. The Explorers fell behind early on and a second half comeback bid wasn't enough to close the deficit. Senior Bridget Ruskey notched a hattrick to lead the Blue & Gold.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Ruskey opened the scoring for La Salle five minutes into the contest and that lead held until the 15-minute mark. 
• The visitors came alive after that and rattled off four straight goals to take the advantage. A score from senior Annina Iacobucci brought one back for the Explorers, but a late Lehigh goal pushed its lead back to three goals at the half.
• The Mountain Hawks struck first in the second frame and extended their lead to 6-2. 
• The Blue & Gold never gave up and staged a comeback bid through its seniors. Ruskey (twice), Iacobucci and Emily Johnston all found the back of the net in a 4-1 run for the hosts. 
• The score held at 7-6 until the final two minutes of play, at which point the away side pulled away. Lehigh scored at 1:40 and 0:01 to seal the contest.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Senior Molly Loughlin was busy in the cage, recording 17 saves – tied for second-most in her career.
• Seniors represented on offense, too, as Ruskey, Iacobucci and Jonston combined for all six of La Salle's goals on the day.
• Ruskey also paced the Blue & Gold in ground balls (three) and draw controls (two).

 
UP NEXT

• A lengthy road trip is upcoming for the Explorers as they play their next four away. Next up is a local trip to Villanova on Wednesday with first draw at 1 p.m.