WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 17, 2021) -- Junior midfielder Emily Sims scored three goals, adding an assist as well, but it wasn't enough as the King's College women's lacrosse team dropped the 2021 home and Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom opener to local rival Misericordia 20-7 in action from McCarthy Stadium Wednesday. 

King's (0-3, 0-1 MAC Freedom) fell behind just over three minutes in, but rebounded with back-to-back goals to take the lead with 25:56 remaining in the first half. Senior Mary Kate Klodarska scored off a nice feed from junior Natasha Koslop to tie the game, and Sims scored a spectacular falling-down goal to push King's in front. 

Misericordia (3-0, 1-0 MAC Freedom) answered with two goals of its own before Celia Media once again deadlocked the game as she fit in a tight angle shot to make it 3-3. Sims would score another goal after MU registered a pair to make it 5-4 with 17:26 to go in the half, but the Cougars netted the next eight goals of the frame to send things to halftime with a 13-4 scoreline in favor of the visitors. 

King's played solid defense in the second half, but couldn't get back in the game as Misericordia ran away for the win. Sims posted a caused turnover, draw control and ground ball in addition to her four points, while classmate Jennifer O'Connor finished with two goals and five draw controls. 

Medina and senior defender Helen Zaremba each had two ground balls to lead King's, while Zaremba and first-year Sarah McCormick each had two caused turnovers. Sophomore Jessie Smalley made 10 saves in the first half, while senior Orla Cottell came off the bench to stop three shots in 12:42 of game action. 

King's was outshot 41-12 on the game, and the Monarchs were successful on only 7-of-19 clears Wednesday. Taylor Hannaberry came off the bench to post a game-best eight points on four goals and four assists, and Lauren Weitzel added three goals and four helpers. Michelle Torzilli also had a team and game-high five goals. 

King's will return to action Saturday on the road, making the short five minute drive to Wilkes University to take on the Colonels in MAC Freedom action at 1 p.m.