BOX SCORE Pittsburgh, Pa. - The Saint Francis lacrosse team (3-3) couldn't overcome a slow start on Thursday, falling to Duquesne 15-11 despite a season-high 11 saves from senior Heather McKee (Bel Air, Md./C. Milton Wright Bel Air).

Coach Concheck's Reaction

"We fought hard today against a very athletic and aggressive team," said head coach Kara Concheck. "We weren't able to adapt to their style of play and the foul disparity disrupted our flow. Ultimately, the game came down to turnovers and that is what prevented us from getting the win. I am proud of the heart we showed and look forward to getting back on our home turf Sunday."

Turning Point

The Red Flash had to fight an uphill battle all afternoon after allowing the Dukes to score the game's first six goals. Saint Francis closed the first half on a 5-1 run to trail 7-5 at the break. After Duquesne opened the scoring in the second half, the Red Flash pulled within two goals on two separate occasions, the last on a free position goal by freshman Livia Baker (Fallston, Md. /Fallston High School) with 23:21 to play. However, Saint Francis couldn't cut into the lead any further and was outscored 6-4 the rest of the way.

Notes

• Senior midfielder Holly Lawrence (Damascus, Md./Damascus) was Saint Francis's top scorer with three goals and an assist.
• Junior Sarah Mahon (Malverne, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) was one of three scorers with two goals, joining freshman Sydney Davis (Harwood, Md./Southern) and junior Jessica Fischetti (Massapequa, N.Y./Plainedge). She also added an assist.
• The Red Flash were led in the effort statistics by senior Grace Smith (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy Orange) who ended with a team-high four ground balls and tied for the team-lead with three draw controls. Fellow senior Victoria O'Brien (Saint James, N.Y./Smithtown East) also recorded three draw controls.
• Midfielder Lauren Ryan (Towson, Md. /Notre Dame Prep) caused two turnovers. 
• McKee's 11 saves were her highest total since making 14 as a sophomore vs. Campbell in 2015.

By The Numbers

• Saint Francis was awarded 11 free positions compared to six for Duquesne, but converted just six of them into goals.
• The Red Flash comeback was fueled by their dominance on the draw control. After a slow start, Saint Francis ended up winning the draws 16-12.
• Turnovers killed Saint Francis as it was plagued by 21 giveaways, its second highest total of the season.
• Saint Francis was outshot 32-23 for the game and 26-19 in shots on goal.

Up Next

The Red Flash play its second home game of the year on Sunday vs. Longwood at 1 p.m.