BUFFALO, N.Y. – In the midst of a three-game homestand, the D'Youville University women's lacrosse team was edged out by Saint Michael's College Wednesday afternoon by the score of 9-8.
 
The Saints (2-3) were led offensively by Jillian Bernas (Cheektowaga, N.Y./St. Mary's) and Sydney Gordon (Hamburg, N.Y./Hamburg) with four points each while Madison Buck (Rochester, N.Y./Churchville Chili) had three goals. Danielle Gephart (Eden, N.Y./Eden) had a strong day as well, coming away with one goal and one assist. Lauren Parker (Syracuse, N.Y./Jamesville-DeWitt) led the team in draw controls with five.
 
On the defensive end, Brinn Stworzydlak (Hamburg, N.Y./Frontier) and Lily Buckley (Orchard Park, N.Y./Orchard Park) led the team with four groundballs each while Sophia Conzone (Syracuse, N.Y./East Syracuse Minoa) led the way with two caused turnovers.
 
The Purple Knights drew first blood in the game, but DYU responded, scoring three-straight to make it 3-1 after one quarter of play. Bernas got the team's first goal followed by goals from Madison Handley (Lancaster, N.Y./Lancaster) and Buck.
 
Saint Michael's halted the run to begin the second quarter but D'Youville got the goal back, coming from Gephart off the dish from Bernas. The Purple Knights scored three-straight to take the lead, but Bernas found the back of the net with 1:45 left in the half as D'Youville tied the game 5-5 going into the break.
 
The Saints continued the momentum to begin the second half, scoring 48 seconds into the frame as Gordon found Buck to make it 6-5 in favor of DYU. Saint Michael's responded, scoring two goals to take the lead once again at 7-6. Gordon knotted the game back up with the woman-up goal with 24 seconds left in the quarter as the game was tied once again heading into the final frame of regulation.
 
The Purple Knights scored tow quick goals to start the fourth quarter to take the 9-7 advantage. The Saints looking to get back into it, were only able to mustard up one goal with 1:15 left as Gordon found Buck.
 
Stworzydlak went the distance in net, making 18 saves.
 
The Saints will closeout the homestand this Saturday, March 22nd, as they host Saint Anselm College at 11 a.m.