BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Merrimack College women's lacrosse team came up just short against Long Island University in a game that came down to the wire.
 
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 6, LIU 7
Records: Merrimack (3-11, 3-5 NEC) | LIU (7-7, 7-1)
 
Rapid Recap
On a windy day at the campus of Long Island University, Merrimack looked to bounce back after a defeat three days prior to Sacred Heart. This game was a battle of the defenses, as Hayley Kowalczyk stepped up big for the Warriors in between the pipes making 10 saves. The first goal of the match would come nearly seven minutes in as Lindsay Atkinson buried one of her two scores on the day. The Shark eventually took the lead until a green card would give Merrimack a woman-up advantage. Natalie Calkins tied things up thanks to an assist from graduate defender Kelly Corrigan, her first point this season. After a 3-goal spurt at the beginning of the 2^nd quarter, the defensive intensity picked back up as LIU led 4-3. A foul on the Sharks end gave Sophie Scearbo a free position attempt that she would convert. The low-scoring battle was now 4-4 going into the half.
 
Entering the 3^rd quarter, we wouldn't see a lead change until a green card gave LIU a woman-up opportunity making the game 5-4 in favor of the Sharks. Merrimack did not score this quarter, but their defense made sure to keep them in the game. LIU is top 20 in the nation in turnovers, so if the Warriors were to stay in the game, they would have to take care of the ball as well. Two minutes into the last quarter of play, Allison Lamphere would be given a free position attempt, tying the game up yet again 5-5. The Sharks responded right back, but Merrimack did not go away. With time running out, Natalie Calkins recovered a crucial ground ball off a missed shot giving Lindsay Atkinson the chance the team needed to bring the score to 6-6. LIU won the ensuing draw control, allowing them to bring down the clock to under 30 seconds. Driving to the net with 22 seconds left the Sharks scored to take the lead. The Warriors lost the draw control after the score and Long Island would end up defeating Merrimack 7-6.

Notes and Numbers

• Sophie Scearbo, Natalie Calkins, and Lindsay Atkinson all led the Warriors in total points with 2
• Kaitlin Roche gathered 3 ground balls and 3 draw controls
• Hayley Kowalczyk stopped 10 of her 17 shots faced

Up Next
The Warriors are back in action next weekend as they will play Delaware State University on Saturday, April 20^th at 11:00 AM.