ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College lacrosse team fell to Eastern University with a final score of 12-6 on Wednesday evening at FalconPlex. The Falcons managed to score four goals in the fourth quarter, but Eastern's five player-up goals were pivotal in securing the victory.

The first quarter began with the Falcons gaining initial possession through first year Taylor Dotter (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) on the draw control. Despite this early advantage, Eastern opened the scoring at 12:29 with a goal by junior Morgan Wallace. Cedar Crest responded at 5:21 when senior Kylah Demarest (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) scored, leveling the score.

Eastern regained the lead with another goal from Wallace at 1:33. Cedar Crest managed several defensive stops, including multiple saves by sophomore Izzy Feddor (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area). However, the quarter concluded with Eastern holding a narrow 2-1 lead.

The second quarter began with the Falcons facing a challenge, as Eastern capitalized on a player-up situation to score early. Cedar Crest's junior Kadee Schrader (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) won a draw control, providing an opportunity for the Falcons to respond, but turnovers stifled offensive momentum.

Despite a series of defensive stops by goalie Feddor, including several saves, the Falcons struggled to clear the ball effectively, resulting in multiple turnovers. Eastern took advantage of these opportunities, adding two more goals, including one in the final seconds, extending its lead. The quarter concluded with Eastern leading 5-1.

Eastern opened the third quarter with momentum, securing an early goal by first year Anaelis Morales on a player-up opportunity assisted by Wallace. Cedar Crest responded defensively with key saves by Feddor, stalling Eastern's offensive efforts. Despite multiple turnovers from both squads, Cedar Crest capitalized on a player-up situation as senior Ellie Terranova (Wilmington, Del./Mount Pleasant) found the net with an assist from Schrader, narrowing the gap.

Dotter secured the ensuing draw control for Cedar Crest, but Eastern regained its advantage with a free position goal by Wallace. The Falcons held possession in the final minute but could not convert, closing the quarter with Eastern leading 7-2.

Cedar Crest began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive play, causing a turnover by Eastern's first year Madison Groetsch. senior Olivia Moyer's (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) subsequent ground ball pickup set the tone for the Falcons. Although Eastern scored first in the quarter with senior Gracie Horton's player-up goal, Cedar Crest quickly responded. Demarest, assisted by Schrader, found the back of the net to keep the Falcons competitive.

After Eastern extended its lead with two more goals, Cedar Crest's Dotter scored with an assist from Demarest, showcasing the Falcons' resilience. The team continued to fight back as Schrader scored another goal, assisted by Dotter, narrowing the deficit. Despite Eastern's Horton adding another for the visitors, Cedar Crest's sophomore Lizzy DeNunzio (Easton, Pa./Easton Area) capitalized on a player-up opportunity, bringing the Falcons closer.

The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest trailing Eastern, 12-6. The Falcons demonstrated persistence and determination throughout the quarter, closing the gap and matching Eastern's scoring pace in the final minutes.

Demarest led Cedar Crest scoring with two goals and added an assist, finishing with three shots on goal. DeNunzio contributed a crucial player-up goal while taking a single shot. Terranova found the net once, converting one of her three shots on goal into a player-up goal. Schrader supported the offense with one goal and two assists, efficiently utilizing her two shots.

Wallace paced Eastern team with impressive numbers, scoring four goals on 11 shots, with 10 of those shots being on target. Wallace also contributed two assists and netted one game-winning goal, showcasing efficiency and precision. Horton added to the team's offensive strength by scoring five goals off seven shots, with four coming from unassisted plays.  Morales contributed two goals, one of which was a player-up goal, demonstrating versatility in scoring situations.

Looking ahead, the Falcons (5-4 overall) will host Mount Aloysius College on Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 p.m. in Allentown, Pa. While Eastern University (3-4 overall) will host Bryn Mawr College on Saturday March 28 at 2:30 p.m. in St. Davids, Pa.