Box Score



SAINT LEO, Fla. – No. 12 Kutztown women's lacrosse jumped out to a 3-0 lead but conceded eight consecutive goals, ultimately falling 13-5 to No. 8 Saint Leo on Sunday morning at University Turf Stadium.

The loss marks Kutztown's (5-2) second consecutive defeat and its second straight loss to a ranked opponent.

The Golden Bears struck first, scoring three unanswered goals to open the game. Sam Graf (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills) secured the initial draw control and sprinted down the field to score just 30 seconds into play. Olivia Eilbacher (Cherry Hill, N.J./Camden Catholic) extended the lead with a free-position goal a little over two minutes later, followed by Lailah ElBouazzaoui's (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) tally at the 9:30 mark of the first quarter. However, Saint Leo (8-1) took control from there, dominating the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.

The Lions responded with three goals in the latter half of the first quarter, sending the game into the second tied at 3-3. They continued their offensive surge, netting four more goals in the second quarter while holding Kutztown scoreless. Despite the Golden Bears outshooting the Lions 9-7 in the period, Saint Leo capitalized on its opportunities, heading into halftime with a 7-3 lead.

Saint Leo extended its scoring run just 11 seconds into the third quarter, but Graf quickly responded with her second goal of the game 14 seconds later. The Lions regained momentum, adding another goal before the end of the period to take a 10-4 advantage into the fourth.

The final quarter remained scoreless until the 8:52 mark when Saint Leo scored the first of three consecutive goals. Two of those came off free-position shots, contributing to the Lions' seven total goals from free-position opportunities.

Kutztown found the net one final time late in the game. After Graf forced a turnover and recovered the loose ball, she connected with Sophie Engelhardt (Hellertown, Pa./Saucon Valley), who secured the Golden Bears' fifth and final goal.

Despite the loss, Kutztown's defense had an impressive showing, collecting 17 ground balls and forcing nine turnovers. Summer Davis (Beach Haven, N.J./Southern Regional) and goalkeeper Marisa Bragg (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central) led the defensive effort, combining for nine ground balls, with Davis causing a team-high three turnovers. Bragg, the reigning PSAC Defensive Player of the Week, recorded 11 saves on the day.

The Golden Bears now turn their attention to another ranked matchup as they host No. 13 East Stroudsburg on Wednesday, March 19, at 3:00 p.m. on Keystone Field.