ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College lacrosse team was edged by Alfred State College with a final score of 10-7 on Saturday at FalconPlex.

The Falcons opened the first quarter with a draw control by first-year Taylor Dotter (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area), setting the pace early. Despite a save by Alfred State first-year Maeve Runyon (Somerville, N.J.) on a shot by senior Ellie Terranova (Wilmington, Del./Mount Pleasant), Cedar Crest's persistence paid off when Dotter scored with an assist from junior Kadee Schrader (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) at 9:37, equalizing the game.

The Pioneers took the lead again with a goal by sophomore Erica Jackson (West Babylon, N.Y.), but the Falcons responded with strong defensive efforts, including turnovers caused by first-years Audra Leiter (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) and Trinity Burk (Baltimore, Md./Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts). In the final minute, Terranova scored, bringing Cedar Crest level at the close of the quarter. The first quarter ended with a tied score of 2–2.

Cedar Crest started the second quarter with a significant momentum shift as Dotter scored at 13:40, assisted by Leiter. Dotter continued to influence the play by securing the draw control immediately after. The Falcons extended their lead with a goal from senior Kylah Demarest (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) at 10:45, assisted by Terranova, pushing the score to 5–2.

Following a timeout, Cedar Crest maintained pressure with Dotter scoring again at 9:04. Alfred State responded with a goal from Jackson on a free position shot, narrowing the gap. Despite this, the Falcons regained control with a goal by Burk at 2:09, extending their lead to 6–3.

In the closing moments, the Pioneers capitalized on a free position opportunity, with junior Karlee Hargather (Hilton, N.Y.) scoring with five seconds remaining, ending the quarter with Cedar Crest leading 6–4.

The third quarter began with the Alfred State gaining momentum as Hargather secured a draw control and scored an early player-up goal. The Falcons responded with Terranova winning a draw control, but a series of turnovers hampered their progress, allowing the Pioneers to capitalize with two additional goals, extending its lead to 8–6.

Cedar Crest regained composure later in the quarter, as senior Olivia Moyer's (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) ground ball recovery led to an effective offensive play. Schrader, assisted by Terranova, found the net to narrow the gap, bringing the score to 8–7. The quarter concluded with both teams battling for control, leaving the Falcons trailing by one goal.

The final quarter commenced with Cedar Crest attempting to regain control but struggling with turnovers, despite strong defensive efforts. Junior Carly Piciullo (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) and sophomore Izzy Feddor (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) managed crucial ground ball pickups, but the Falcons' offensive opportunities were thwarted by Alfred State's defense, resulting in missed shots and turnovers.

The Pioneers capitalized on a player-up situation with a goal at 10:39, extending its lead. A second goal at 4:07 further increased the margin. Cedar Crest called a timeout at 10:00 to regroup, but despite concerted efforts, they could not find the back of the net. The quarter closed with Alfred State maintaining its lead, ending the game with a final score of 10–7.

Dotter led the scoring effort for Cedar Crest with three goals on three shots, all finding the back of the net. Terranova contributed across the board with one goal and two assists, capitalizing on all four of her shots on goal. Schrader added to the offense with one goal and one assist, taking two shots throughout the match. In goal, Feddor made eight saves on 24 shots faced.

Hargather stood out for the Pioneers with an impressive contribution of two goals and two assists, making four of her five shots on goal. First-year Katerina Strong (Corning, N.Y.) also demonstrated noteworthy performance, scoring four goals and providing two assists, with five of her seven shots on target. Jackson added to the offensive effort by finding the net twice on four attempts, showcasing accuracy with all shots on goal. Sophomore Regan Curabba (Shohola, Pa.) made a decisive impact, scoring one goal and assisting another, while delivering the game-winning goal.

Cedar Crest (4-2 overall) remains home and will welcome in Bryn Mawr College on Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. Alfred State (5-1 overall) will stay on the road for a contest at Alfred University on Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m.