No. 5 Franklin & Marshall edges No. 3 Salisbury
LANCASTER, Pa. - The No. 3 Salisbury University women's lacrosse team suffered its first defeat of the season at the hands of No. 5 Franklin & Marshall College 8-7 on Saturday afternoon before a crowd of 545.

The Diplomats (9-0) jumped out to an early two-goal lead in the first half thanks to goals scored by Jen Pritchard and Ashley Bevington. Pritchard led all goal scorers with three goals, all of which came in the first half, including the last goal before the half with eight seconds left on the clock as F&M led 6-4 at the break.

Salisbury (10-1) tied the score at two apiece midway through the first half as the maroon and gold received goals from sophomore Robyn Bishop and senior captain Ani Khatchatoorian.

SU would play from behind the rest of the close nit game as the Gulls pulled within one goal, four times, but watched the Dips increase the margin back to two goals.

Freshman goalie Natalie Pappas kept the Sea Gulls close with eight saves, six in the first half. Leading scorer Sue Ackermann was held without a goal for only the second time this season as the junior passed out a game-high four assists.

Senior Natalie Degele and junior Jessica Liston each had two goals for Salisbury. Liston's second goal with 4:17 left to play pulled SU within a goal at 8-7. However, the Dips and goalie Lidia Sanza (six saves) were able to hold off the Gulls in the final minutes and secure the victory.

Salisbury returns to action on Tuesday, April 3, against Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. under the lights with a 7 p.m. game. SU will then come home for two games versus conference opponent St. Mary's (Md.) College and rival powerhouse The College of New Jersey.