ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern Women's Lacrosse dropped its home opener on Wednesday afternoon to visiting Alvernia University 17-7. Anna Charlebois scored five of the Eagles seven goals including the 100th of her career.

"It's a great accomplishment, and we are all really excited and proud of her," said Head Coach Kim Campbell. "I think it really speaks volume to her as a leader, lacrosse player, and attacker. She certainly wanted to reach that accomplishment and took every opportunity to achieve that goal."  

Eastern (0-3) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Julie Haggan tallied a goal with just under 23 minutes left to play in the first half. After Alvernia (2-0) had scored back-to-back goals to make it 2-1 Charlebois pulled the Eagles even at 2-2 with her second of the day. Four straight goals by the Crusaders to close out the half gave them a 6-2 advantage heading into the locker rooms.

"It was a four goal differential at halftime, so it was a game," continued Campbell. "Our goalie had a great game, and our defense kept coming up with the ball and making some big stops. Our transitioning and maintaining possession flickered a little, and it led to them capitalizing on the possessions they had in our defensive end."     

Charlebois opened up the second half with a goal not only pulling Eastern within three, 6-3 but also bringing her just two goals away from the career milestone. Another goal just over four minutes later made the score 7-4 and brought Charlebois to the doorstep of history.

A five-goal run by Alvernia stretched its lead all the way to 12-4 with just 16 minutes left to play in the game. A yellow card on Makenzie Quinn gave the Eagles a man-up advantage with just under 15 minutes left to play. Charlebois got the ball near the top of the arc and dodged her way through the Crusaders defense firing a shot past goalie Colleen Reilly to reach the 100 career goal mark and pull Eastern within seven at 12-5.

Charlebois would tack on one more goal with under ten minutes to play making it 13-6. Stephanie Hogan scored the final goal of the day for the Eagles pulling them back within seven at 14-7 before a three-goal by Alvernia made the score final at 17-7.  

Charlebois finished the game with five goals and an assist. Cortney Andes turned in an outstanding game for the Eagles making 21 saves on the afternoon.

"Cortney wants to be the heartbeat of our team and as a goalie, you are just that," stated Campbell. "The team feeds off her big saves and creating opportunities for us. Our ability to stay in the games for as long as we have is a true testament to her abilities and her play."

Eastern finished the day 2-8 on free possession shots while Alvernia went 4-9. Abby McCarthy led all Crusaders with six goals and two assists while Reilly recorded 13 saves.

"We just really need to come together and click and utilize everyone," concluded Campbell. "We just have to keep working and generating on attack to keep our offensive rhythm going."

Eastern hosts Rowan March 12th at 12:30 pm.