ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Mount Aloysius Mounties jumped out to an early lead but were unable to hold off a second-half surge, falling 12-4 to Cedar Crest on Saturday afternoon at the FalconPlex.

Mount Aloysius (2-4-1) showed strong energy early, taking a 2-1 lead after the first quarter behind goals from Cassidy Cook (Glen Burnie, Md., North County) and Chelsea Stout (Grand Blanc, Mich., Grand Blanc). The Mounties continued to battle in the second quarter, regaining a 3-2 advantage on a man-up goal from Stout off an assist from Brenna Dobson (Lewistown, Pa., Mifflin County).

The game remained tight through the first half, but Cedar Crest used a late second-quarter push to take a 4-3 lead into the break. From there, the Mounties struggled to find offensive rhythm in the second half, managing just one goal over the final 30 minutes.

Shelby Smeal (Altoona, Pa., Altoona) provided the lone second-half tally for Mount Aloysius, finishing a man-up opportunity in the fourth quarter. Stout led the Mounties with two goals, while Dobson added a pair of assists in the loss.

Defensively, Mount Aloysius was active throughout, collecting 18 ground balls and forcing 11 caused turnovers. Smeal contributed across the field with four ground balls and three draw controls, while Cook added a goal and controlled play in the midfield.

In goal, Keira Murray (Grand Island, N.Y., Grand Island) recorded seven saves over 60 minutes of action.

The Mounties finished with 20 total shots and 14 on goal but were unable to keep pace with Cedar Crest's offensive run in the second half.