Royals Pull Away From Eagles in Second Half of Landmark Conference Semifinals

SCRANTON, Pa.- The Juniata women's lacrosse team couldn't quite keep up with #23, the University of Scranton, in the Landmark Semifinals, losing 14-7 Thursday evening at Weiss Field. 

Grace Gibbs tallied three goals, an assist, two ground balls, three draw controls, and two caused turnovers. Kelliann Drummond added two goals, while Skyler Stevens had a goal and a ground ball. Peyton Goodrich amassed a goal, four ground balls, four draw controls, and two caused turnovers. Lauren Metzger added five ground balls and a caused turnover while Mikayla Bodley made ten saves in goal. 

The Royals struck first, scoring three minutes in. The Eagles tied things up on a man-up goal from Goodrich on an assist from Gibbs. Gibbs scored unassisted a minute and a half later as the Eagles took their first lead. Scranton tied things up with 27 seconds remaining in the quarter, and the teams ended the first tied at two. 

Stevens opened the second quarter scoring a minute in, but the Royals found the back of the JC net three times in four minutes to take the lead back. Gibbs scored from a free position shot, the Royals struck twice more a minute apart, and Drummond pulled JC within two for the final goal of the half. 

The Royals took control in the third, scoring three straight goals to push the deficit to five. Goals from Drummond and Gibbs cut the lead to three, but Juniata couldn't keep the momentum going as they didn't score again. 

Scranton scored once more in the third and three more in the fourth to complete the scoreline. 

The Royals had a 35-15 advantage in shots and an 18-7 edge in draw controls.  

Juniata is now 14-5.