Indiana, Pa. — The Indiana University of Pennsylvania women’s lacrosse team kicked off its season with energy but ultimately faced a tough loss, falling 20-4 to East Stroudsburg in their home opener at Miller Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks grabbed an early lead, scoring four out of the first six goals. Macenzie Haragos led the charge with a goal and an assist, while teammates Maggie Boyle, Alexi Crosby, and Leah Moyer each added a goal in the first quarter.
However, just before halftime, East Stroudsburg turned the tide, scoring five consecutive goals to lead 7-4 at the break. The second half was dominated by the Warriors, who kept IUP scoreless and scored 10 more goals, sealing their victory.
Haragos stood out for the Crimson Hawks, finishing with a goal and an assist. Boyle, Crosby, and Moyer each scored once. In goal, Lauren Legrand and Mia Courtalis split time, combining for nine saves.
This performance highlights a trend observed in college sports, where young teams often start strong but can struggle with consistency. As the season unfolds, how IUP adjusts will be crucial for their development. According to a survey from the NCAA, over 50% of college athletes face challenges with maintaining performance levels throughout the season. These insights emphasize the importance of building mental resilience alongside physical skills.
As for the postseason outlook, history shows that teams improving through the year usually become stronger competitors. Fans can hope for a turnaround as the season progresses.
