The goal was to not have to go back.The Eastern University women's lacrosse team knew going in to today's game at Lycoming that they would be the fourth or fifth seed in the upcoming playoffs and that the loser of today's game was going to have to make the drive to the other's field on Tuesday. The Eastern team continued to execute on offense and earned a convincing 18-12 win into the playoffs.

The Eagles trailed briefly before pulling away to a 10-5 edge at half and an 18-8 lead with five minutes to play before the hosts scored four straight to close out the game. The Eastern coaches were very pleased with their team's recognition of transition opportunities and decision making in looking to run offense or attack early. "We really looked for each other and had good focus on the eight in our set offense, " assistant coach Rachel Lenzo commented "and our timing was very good at times."

The Eastern staff also recognized the play of senor goalie Kim Camppbell. Campbell had a dominating second half mid-week, and she made 12 big saves today while the game was still in jeopardy. Eastern held a slim 19-15 shooting margin after 30 minutes, but Grace Griffith scored three of her game-high five goals and Jessie Basch had two more as the Eagles held the edge in the most important category.

Erin Reimel, Courtney Reinhold, Jess Field, Katie Choquette, and Kristin Brownett also added first half goals as the Eagles scored ix of the last eight goals of the half. "I think we dealt with the heat well," Head Coach Camrin Azzarano commented, "and we got some big contributions from some of our non-starters to keep the game going at the right speed."

Griffith started the scoring in the second half on an unassisted goal. That goal was the 100th career tally for the sophomore standout. The Warriors answered with a single goal, before Eastern scored six straight to take complete control of the contest.

Erin Fries picked up her 101st career goal to start the run, and Basch picked up her third of the game on a pass from Griffith.  Griffith scored her fifth of the day with nearly 22 minutes to play to put the Eagles up 14-6, and Basch tacked on her fourth of the day shortly thereafter. Lycoming closed the gap to 15-7, but Choquette answered with two more to put the Eagles up ten. Fries scored the final Eastern goal of the day.

The Eagles (10-6, 8-3 MASCAC)  will have the challenge of turning around and beating a team twice in a four day stretch. They will, however, by virtue of today's win. Be able to play in the far more familiar surroundings of Olson Field.

Game time will likely be four on Tuesday, but will be confirmed by Monday morning.