SELINSGROVE, Pa.-The Juniata women's lacrosse team stayed close with Susquehanna until the River Hawks pulled away midway through the second half to win, 17-9, Wednesday afternoon.
Susquehanna scored twice in the first seven minutes to take a two-goal lead, but the eagles quickly countered. Three minutes later Natalie Gibson (Annapolis, Md. / Broadneck) found the back of the net and two minutes later Arielle Danchenko (Palm City, Fla. / South Fork) tied things at 2-2.
Susquehanna used a 4-0 surge to go up 6-2 with a little over six minutes to go in the first half.
A goal from Andrea Insalaco (Woodlyn, Pa. / Ridley) and Gibson's second goal had JC within two, 6-4. In the final 35 seconds, Susquehanna scored one more to take a three-goal lead into halftime.
Danchenko scored her second goal a minute and 18 seconds into the second half to pull JC within two. The River Hawks countered with a quick two goals to pushed back ahead by four. Gibson scored her third to make it 9-6 with 25 minutes to go in the game. Susquehanna went on a decisive 6-0 run over the next seven minutes to lead, 15-6.
Gibson scored twice and Insalaco scored once for the Eagles for their final three goals of the game.
Isabella Medaris (Monroe, Conn. / Masulk) made a season-high 17 saves.
Juniata will return home to host Moravian, Saturday at 1:00.
After the game, at 3:00, join the Juniata Women's Lacrosse team on the field at Gibbel Stadium to try playing lacrosse! All equipment provided! No registration necessary. FREE for kids of all ages. There will be fun drills, obstacle courses and PRIZES!
