DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Gannon University women's lacrosse team fell behind early but steadied itself over the final three quarters before losing its season opener 19-8 to No. 19 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Tuesday evening.

Gannon fell behind 9-2 through the first quarter but the Eagles outscored the Golden Knights just 9-6 the rest of the way at Embry-Riddle Lacrosse Field.

Coach Jennifer Pawlowski's team was playing its season opener after its originally scheduled opener against Roberts Wesleyan was postponed because of unplayable field conditions.

McKenna Woodworth (Horseheads, N.Y./Horseheads) scored three goals and Caroline Stevens (Syracuse, N.Y./Liverpool) scored two to lead Gannon. Alli Jacobs (Eden, N.Y./Eden), Avery Kirisits, and Emma-Cait Cogan (Westerville, Ohio/Olentangy Orange) each scored once. Goals by Woodworth and Kirisits helped Gannon to an early 2-2 tie, but Embry-Riddle scored the final seven goals of the period.

The goalie duties were split by halves as Pawlowski gave playing time to two young players in goal. Freshman Riley Finnegan (Oviedo, Fla./Oviedo) started and gave up 11 goals while making seven saves. Sophomore Haleigh Manning (Milton, Ga./Cambridge) allowed eight goals and made one save.

Stevens paced Gannon with nine draw controls and she tied for the team lead with two ground balls. Jacobs, Manning, and Kayla Thompson (Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford) also had two ground balls.
Sophomore Alexa Zeruto (2-1) led Embry-Riddle with five goals, four assists, and nine points.

Gannon will continue its spring trip with a game on Friday at 5 p.m. against Florida Tech in Melbourne, Fla.