The Gannon women's lacrosse team celebrated its Senior Day in style with a hard-fought 12-10 victory over Daemen in the home opener at McConnell Family Stadium Saturday afternoon. 

The Golden Knights honored their four seniors Caroline Stevens (Syracuse, N.Y./Liverpool), Haleigh Manning (Milton, Ga./Cambridge), Avrey Kirisits (Lancaster, N.Y./Lancaster Central), and Maggie McGinnis (Brunswick, Ohio/Brunswick) before securing the win.

Gannon's offense was led by standout performances from Charlie Hunter (Boston, N.Y./Hamburg) and Rayla Smith (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum), who each notched hat tricks.

Ella Todd (Maple Ridge, British Columbia/Maple Ridge Secondary) played a pivotal role as well, recording five assists and two goals, while Megan Lang (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) added two goals of her own. Stevens contributed with a goal and two assists, helping fuel the Golden Knights' attack.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Daemen holding an early 5-2 lead in the second quarter. However, Gannon responded with six unanswered goals before halftime to take an 8-5 lead. Daemen fought back to tie the game at 10-10 in the fourth quarter, but crucial late goals from Lang and Hunter sealed the win for Coach Pawlowski's team.

Senior goalie Haleigh Manning (Milton, Ga./Cambridge) was a difference-maker, making 11 saves to keep Daemen at bay. Defensively, Gannon controlled the draw circle, winning 14 draw controls to Daemen's 12, and secured 24 ground balls to gain possession at key moments.

The victory improved Gannon's record to 2-3 on the season, while Daemen dropped to 2-4, respectively. Gannon is back in action at Ashland on Tuesday, March 18, at 2:00 PM.