In a preview of what could very likely be a first round playoff game in the Middle Atlantic Conference, Eastern University Women's Lacrosse dropped an overtime heartbreaker to the visiting FDU-Florham Devils. Lindsey Parent scored her fifth goal of the day in the waning seconds of overtime to lift the Devils to a 17-16 win.

The Eagles played some of their best lacrosse of the year in the early minutes of the game, and they held a 6-1 edge with 13:30 to play in the opening half. Kendall Rood scored three of her game-high six goals as the Eagles jumped to the early lead. The eastern defense and midfield was effective in clears early, and they were able to keep the guests from taking advantage of unsettled situations.

That began to change as the first half drew to a close. Though the Eagles held the lead until the intermission, the Devils cut into the deficit and trailed 9-8 at half. Eastern fired eight more shots than their guests through the first thirty minutes. They did not, however take full advantage of their free position attempts early. They converted just two of five. FDU's control of the draw as the half moved forward was also disconcerting for the home side.

Eight minutes into the second period, Rood scored her fourth of the day.When Parent answered 71 seconds later, the two teams would remain within a goal of each other until Erika Depelteau gave the visitors a 16-14 lead with 7:30 left in regulation. Kelly Dando scored her second of the day to close the gap to one before Griffith scored her fourth to send the game to overtime. 

Both teams put one shot on goal through the first five minutes of overtime. The game remained tied until Parent's heroics just before the the end of the second overtime.

Jess Field and Kelly Dando each finished a pair of goals.

Eastern travels to Messiah College for the regular season finale on Saturday. Though it seems likely that the first round playoff contest will be at FDU-Flroham, that will not be released until all action is complete on Saturday.