Misenheimer, NC – The Pfeiffer women's lacrosse team handed No. 10 Belmont Abbey their first loss of the season on Saturday afternoon at NE Lefko Field. Pfeiffer held the Abbey scoreless for the final 2:43 to take the game 7-6. The Falcons improve their mark on the season to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, while the Abbey falls to 2-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

Pfeiffer midfielder Heidi Karaskiewicz (Glen Burnie, MD) started off the day's scoring with an unassisted drive to the net 2:06 into the game. The Abbey responded with four goals over the next eight minutes. Abbey midfielder Shannon Farden (Oswego, NY) tallied the first two goals and was followed by attack Samantha Hooker (Salisbury, MD) who netted the second two. Brianna Dignan (Nashua, NH) recorded both assists on Hooker's goals.

Alex Cook (Commack, NY) brought Pfeiffer back into the game with 13:53 left in the period. She drove to the net and put the ball past Abbey goalkeeper Kate Gavin (Pasadena, MD). The Falcons continued their offensive efforts and in the final two minutes of the period tied the game at 4-4 off of goals from attack Krissy Bentolila (Potomac, MD) and midfielder Jamie Livingston (Harrisburg, NC). Bentolila's goal was off a free position attempt due to an Abbey foul.

Bentolila opened the final period by getting on the board for Pfeiffer 3:24 into play. Attack Sarah Hebberd (Golden, CO) put the Falcons up by two with a goal four minutes later. The Abbey responded with their first goal of the second half with 19:38 left in the period. Laurie Jordan (Davidsonville, MD) zipped a shot past Pfeiffer goalkeeper Caitlin Ryan (Perth, Australia) from about eight yards out.

With just under 13 minutes left in the game, Cook found the back of the net off of a free position shot to put the Falcons up by two again. Cook's goal would end up being the game-winner.

Farden put her third goal of the game in net with 2:43 left in the game and brought the Crusaders within one goal. The Falcons fought to gain control of play until the final horn sounded. Despite Abbey attempts to cause turnovers, Pfeiffer maintained control to run the clock down and end the day victorious by a margin of one goal.

Pfeiffer was led by Bentolila and Cook who each tallied two goals. Kelly McConnell (Woodbridge, MD) grabbed four ground balls for the Falcons, while Amanda Smith (Leesburg, VA) caused four turnovers. Ryan earned the win with nine saves on the day.

The Crusaders were led by Farden and Hooker with three goals and two goals, respectively. Theresa Nolan (Crofton, MD) marked three caused turnovers for the Abbey.

Pfeiffer returns to action on Wednesday when they host Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in another Conference Carolinas game. Faceoff is scheduled to take place at 1:30 PM

2009-02-21