BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Senior midfielder Katie Brannigan gave the Leopards a glimmer of hope early in the first half, but her lone goal off of a free kick wasn't enough in a 4-1 loss to rival Lehigh on a chilly evening at Ulrich Sports Complex.

After falling behind 1-0 in the third minute, Brannigan deftly executed a free kick into the upper corner of the goal to knot the contest 1-1 at the 10:30 mark. Lafayette's euphoria was short-lived, however, as senior Sabrina Mertz scored 18 seconds later to put the Mountain Hawks back on top. 

Celebrating senior night, Mertz wasn't done yet as she headed in another goal nine minutes later and the hosts took a 3-1 lead into halftime. 

The Leopards were able to muster some second half opportunities, but shots by sophomores Sophie Saldivar and Rebecca Schreiner were turned away by goalkeeper Sam Miller. 

Lafayette keeper Maggie Pohl was under pressure much of the night and finished with a season-high 11 saves as the Mountain Hawks registered 23 shots - including 15 on goal. 

After opening the league slate with a 2-0 win over Bucknell, the Leopards have been unable to regain their scoring touch and have lost five consecutive Patriot League contests. With three games remaining, Lafayette has little margin for error in its quest to make the postseason field for a third straight season. 

A home match against Navy on Wednesday night is next up for head coach Mick Statham's squad followed by the final road game of the regular season against American on October 21 and the senior day finale against Loyola Maryland on October 27 at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.