Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
-59, 15 ASun
Mercer
-79, 43 ASun
Lacrosse Falls At Mercer
4/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Lacrosse
Zach Libby, CMUChippewas.com
MACON, Ga. - Mercer outscored Central Michigan, 8-1, in the second half Sunday in handing the Chippewas an 11-7 loss in an Atlantic Sun Conference women's lacrosse game at the Bears' Five Star Stadium.
The loss dropped CMU to 1-5 in the league and ended the first-year program's chances of making the Atlantic Sun Tournament. The Chippewas are 5-9 overall and close the season next weekend at home with league games against Howard and Old Dominion.
"We understand that we're laying down the foundation for seasons to come," CMU coach Sara Tisdale said. "We're not hanging our heads over one or two games. We're continuing to build and correct our mistakes."
Mercer (7-9, 3-4) got three goals from Erica Coyne and overcame a 6-3 halftime deficit. Kate Leone scored with 7:55 to break a 7-7 tie and put the Bears ahead for good.
"The first half we were playing composed and allowing our offense to run through with the right person at the right spot, which allowed our offense to get set up," Tisdale said. "In the second half, we got enough shots, but were rushed and not what we needed at the moment."
Summer Abdalla had three goals to lead CMU, while Auguste Jepsen, Natalie Bloniarz, Anna Schoonover and Logan Halvorson added one each. Riley Huda picked up two assists.
Abdalla's three goals increased her season total to 23, and her point total to 30. Both are second on the team behind Jocelyne Lemay.
Freshman goalkeeper Clare Laughery made seven saves for the Chippewas.
"Clare made the saves that we needed," Tisdale said. "The ones that she didn't save were quality shots, so proud of her for stepping up for the whole 60 minutes."
The teams finished tied, 23-23, in shots and Mercer held a 13-7 edge in draws controlled. Tisdale said going into the game that controlling draws was crucial, but, post-game, she said that statistic wasn't a factor.
"The draws, they didn't lose the game for us, it was the tempo that we set in the second half," she said.
