EASTON, Pa. – Senior co-captain Anna Stein put the Lafayette women's lacrosse team on her back in the second half on Saturday afternoon at Fisher Stadium, but the deficit proved too large to overcome against Holy Cross in a season-opening 12-9 defeat.
 
Stein netted three of her four goals in the final 18 minutes of action, and registered her assist on the Leopards' final tally of the game. Her efforts helped close the gap on an 8-3 halftime hole, pulling the squad within two at 9-7 with 13:38 left.
 
Holy Cross finished out the game with three of the final five scores, though, and timely turnovers proved costly down the stretch. The Crusaders took advantage of their opportunities despite Lafayette controlling the statistical categories to pick up the early-season win.
 
Lafayette led in ground balls (19-16) and draw controls (13-10) and shots were just about even with Holy Cross finishing on top at 23-22. Nineteen turnovers, with 11 coming in the second 30 minutes were the difference, and each side forced the other into five failed clears on the ride.
 
Joining Stein with multi-point performances were Sarah Bennett with two goals and an assist, and Olivia Cunningham's one goal and two helpers. Katie Chiasson and Lizzie O'Brien added the other markers and Meghan McLachlan picked up an assist as well.
 
Defensively, Mia Magarro was all over the field with a game-high eight ground balls and a team-high two caused turnovers. Between the pipes, senior co-captain Quinn Lacy made nine saves, five of which came in the second 30 minutes.
 
Next up for the Maroon and White is a trip to Lewisburg, Pa. next weekend for a 1 p.m. tilt with Bucknell on Saturday.