BRADFORD, Pa. — Mount Aloysius women's lacrosse jumped out to a dominant start but fell just short in a 9-8 setback at Pitt-Bradford in AMCC action Tuesday night. 

The Mounties (3-5, 1-1 AMCC) controlled the early pace, erupting for five first-quarter goals to take a 5-1 lead. Chelsea Stout (Grand Blanc, Mich., Grand Blanc) and Shelby Smeal (Altoona, Pa., Altoona) powered the offensive surge, combining for six goals and setting the tone from the opening draw.

Mount Aloysius extended its lead to 7-2 in the second quarter, with Stout finishing with three goals and an assist, while Smeal added three goals and one assist. Sara Borlie (Kennett Square, Pa., Unionville) and Cassidy Cook (Glen Burnie, Md., North County) each found the back of the net as well.

Pitt-Bradford (8-5, 2-0 AMCC) chipped away in the second half, using a four-goal third quarter and a late push in the fourth to even the score before netting the game-winner in the final minutes.

Defensively, the Mounties stayed active throughout, totaling 40 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers, while Keira Murray (Grand Island, N.Y., Grand Island) recorded nine saves in goal.

Mount Aloysius held the advantage for much of the contest, but the Panthers' late rally proved to be the difference in a tightly contested conference matchup.