SELINSGROVE, PA (February 29, 2020) -- The King's College women's lacrosse team trailed by two after 30 minutes at 9-7, but host Susquehanna University pulled away in the second half to earn a 16-9 win in non-conference play from Sassafras Field. 

King's (1-3) fell behind early but took the lead with 27:48 to go in the first stanza after goals from freshman Celia Medina and junior Mary Kate Klodarska, both set up by Jen O'Connor. After Caroline Chase answered for SU (2-1), freshman Jess Bahnick and Klodarska each tallied unassisted to give the Monarchs a 4-2 lead and force the River Hawks into a timeout. 

Susquehanna scored five of the next six goals, disrupted only by an Emma Lehman tally for King's at 15:08 before Medina scored again with 3:05 left in the half to make it a one-score game at 8-7 in favor of SU. The hosts would score just before the half though to take a 9-7 lead into the break. After halftime, O'Connor netted her first of the day to pull King's to within one at 9-8 but Susquehanna rattled off five consecutive goals over an 11 minute stretch which proved to be the difference. 

Klodarska finished with a team-best three goals, adding two draw controls, while O'Connor added three points on a goal and an assist along with five draw wins. Bahnick also posted three points with two goals and a helper, while Medina posted her first multiple-goal game with two scores while posting three ground balls and two caused turnovers. Kelly Pierce continued to be one of the best defenders in the world with six ground balls, six caused turnovers and two draw controls, while Kylie McCarthy caused two mistakes as well defensively. 

The Monarchs were outshot by a small margin, 31-23, on the day, but the second-half surge for Susquehanna was aided by a perfect 11-for-11 clear edge in the last 30 munutes. Susquehanna won the draw control battle 16-11, while picking up 26 ground balls to the 20 of the Monarchs. Junior Orla Cottell played the full 60 minutes in the net for King's Saturday, making a season-best 10 saves. 

Stephanie Dowling posted 11 points on five goals and six assists for Susquehanna. 

The Monarchs don't have much time to rest, traveling to Arlington, VA Monday to battle Marymount University at 4 p.m. in another non-conference test at Long Bridge Park.