CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.– Eastern University students started spring break today, but the weather was anything but springlike as Eastern University Women's Lacrosse dropped a tough 16-12 decision to the Wilson College Phoenix (1-0). The Eagles scored the first three goals of the contest and twice closed the Phoenix lead to two goals in the fourth quarter, but the Phoenix scored the final two goals of the game to pull away late. Emerson Shauger led the Eagles with three goals and two assists. 

The Eagles pumped in the first three goals of the game in the opening four minutes. Caitlyn Quizon scored on a strong drive down the left alley to open the game and Shauger converted a shot from a similar location ninety seconds later. Ava Weiman converted a Shauger pass for the early lead. The Eagles secured the next draw, but a turnover deep in Wilson territory ended their chance to extend the lead. 

The hosts answered with two goals, btu the Eagles had a nearly immediate response with a free position goal from Shauger and a solo effort from Ellie Pruitt. Gracie Horton had a shot to stretch the Eastern lead to 6-2, but Wilson goalie Delaney Fulfer made the save, and Wilson midfielder Jill Ahlgren scored the first of her seven goals on the day. The transfer from Gettysburg, scored right before the quarter break and right after to complete the natural hat trick. 

The second quarter proved to be the problem for the Eagles as Wilson converted 7-of-11 shots nad held the Eagles to just a single goal from Horton. Both teams had 16 shots at halftime, but Wilson held an 11-6 edge. 

The Wilson lead stayed at five until the final minute of the third when Quizon scored her third of the afternoon to pull the Eagles to within four at 13-9. Teresa Gailey closed the gap further with a buzzer-beating tally off a rebound. Kaleight Hess-Davila scored on Eastern's opening possession of the final quarter to bring the Eagles to within two goals. The score stayed at 13-11 for several possessions until Wilson scored with just under eight minutes left. Hess-Davila scored her second with 4:24 on the clock.

The Eagles forced a turnover after losing the ensuing draw but for the first time in the game were unable to clear. Ahlgren scored her final two goals to ice the game. The Eagles went 13-for-14 on clearing chances in the match. The Eagles won 15-of-31 draw controls and finished with a 32-27 edge in shots. The Eagles finished just one of six free-position shots. Fulfer finished with 15 saves to earn the win for Wilson. 

Sarah Hunte had two caused turnovers, five ground balls, and six draw controls and Alyse Hand had three caused turnovers.

The Eagles play again on March 4 at Neumann.