CRESSON, PA - The Mount Aloysius women's lacrosse team saw a second-half lead slip away in an 8–6 setback on Saturday afternoon.

Prior to the game, the Mount honored its five seniors — Shelby Smeal (Altoona, Pa., Altoona), Jordan Turner (Grampian, Pa., Curwensville), Maggie Cason (Spotsylvania, Va., Riverbend), Sara Borlie (Kennett Square, Pa., Unionville) and Cassidy Cook (Glen Burnie, Md., North County) — for their dedication and impact on the program.

The Mount came out with energy and control early, opening the scoring at the 11:01 mark of the first quarter on a goal from Cassidy Cook. The lead doubled later in the period when Brenna Dobson (Lewistown, Pa., Mifflin County) finished a feed from Smeal, giving Mount Aloysius a 2–0 advantage. The visitors added a late goal, but the Mount held a 2–1 edge after one.

Momentum carried into the second quarter as Smeal capitalized on a player-up opportunity, converting a pass from Cook to make it 3–1. Just over a minute later, Isabella Panichelle (Butler, Pa., Butler) extended the lead to 4–1 following an assist from Dobson. After a brief push trimmed the margin to one, the Mount responded in the final minute of the half when Alannah McNichol (Bellefonte, Pa, Bellefonte) scored off a setup from Chelsea Stout (Grand Blanc, Mich., Grand Blanc), sending the Mount into the break ahead 5–3.

Cook struck again midway through the third quarter, pushing the lead to 6–3 and giving the Mount its largest cushion of the day. Despite a late goal in the period cutting it to 6–4, Mount Aloysius remained in control heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter, however, turned decisively. The visitors scored four goals in a span of just over three minutes early in the period, flipping a two-goal deficit into an 8–6 lead. The Mount was unable to answer down the stretch as the comeback held.

Cook led the Mount offensively with two goals and an assist, while Smeal added a goal and an assist in her Senior Day performance. Dobson contributed a goal and an assist, and Panichelle and McNichol each found the back of the net.

Despite the result, Mount Aloysius controlled much of the game for three quarters and showcased its fight on a day dedicated to its senior class.

The Mounties return to action Tuesday night when they host the La Roche Redhawks in conference play, with opening draw scheduled for 7 p.m.