York, PA – The Misericordia University women's lacrosse team defeated Endicott College, 12-10, in the program's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, Saturday afternoon at York College. The Cougars advanced to the second round to battle York, Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

With today's victory, the Cougars set program records with their 12^th straight win and their 15^th victory of the season.

Lauren Weitzel led the way for the Cougars with four goals, including a first-half hat trick. The sophomore midfielder played an instrumental role in the Cougars' offensive attack with physical play and aggressive ball carrying.

Lexee Willey, Amy Roth and Shae O'Leary each tallied two goals while Emily Connell and Kaila Quinlivan added one goal.

Maggie McGovern had another strong game for the Cougars. The MAC Freedom Rookie of the Year made 11 saves with six ground balls to help stabilize Misericordia's defense.

Weitzel got the scoring started two minutes into the game with the opening tally. The sophomore scooped up a ground ball at midfield and rushed toward the net for a breakaway goal and a 1-0 lead. However, the Seagulls responded with four unanswered goals to take a three goal advantage, which prompted the Cougars to take an early timeout.

Following the team's first timeout, Misericordia answered with two goals in less than a minute. Willey collected the first goal with a rip to the upper right side of the net while Weitzel quickly added her second tally of the game after winning a draw control at midfield to make it 4-3.

Moments later, Willey muscled her way through heavy traffic and had her goggles knocked off by an opposing player's stick, but still managed to beat the opposing keeper low to tie the game.

After a couple key defensive stops by McGovern, Weitzel collected her third goal with 9:25 remaining to give the Cougars a 5-4 lead. The first-year goal keeper then made a clutch stand at the other end to corral a loose ball in front of the net and preserve the team's lead.

The Gulls rallied for two unanswered goals to pull ahead, but Roth knotted things up with 2:02 remaining before half. With excellent ball movement and patience, Roth broke free up the middle and fired a shot past the Gull's goalkeeper for the equalizer.

Trailing 7-6 at halftime, Misericordia came out of intermission with energy, scoring three unanswered goals. The Cougars slowed down pace once more, which allowed Roth to break free in front of the net for her second goal of the game, 7-7.

Moments later, Misericordia regained the lead on a goal from O'Leary, which was assisted by Justine Johnson. Quinlivan then added another tally on a free position shot with 24:53 remaining to end the squad's 3-0 run.

Less than a minute later, Endicott responded with a goal to pull within one point. However, Weitzel answered the call for the Cougars, fighting through heavy contact for her fourth goal of the contest. Connell and O'Leary then added quick goals to provide Misericordia with a four goal cushion, 12-8.

After Endicott pulled within three goals, McGovern and the Cougars' defense shut the door on the Gulls, holding their opponent scoreless for nearly 17 minutes. With nine minutes remaining, McGovern snagged a desperation attempt from the Gulls after the Cougars defense had forced them to use the entirety of the shot clock. The first-year standout then made another key save moments later on a rip from five-yards out.

Endicott scored on a free position with 1:29 remaining, but was denied by Misericordia's defense in the final minute of play. Brianna Ladner helped captain the team's stellar defensive performance, forcing the Gulls into low-percentage shots as time expired.  

The Cougars improved to 15-5 overall and extended their win streak to a program-best 12 games. Misericordia will take on York College in the NCAA Tournament second round, Sunday at 1:00 PM.