Ithaca, NY – #13 Brockport Women's Lacrosse team opened its season on Saturday on the road against #12 Ithaca College. Returning to action for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown over a year ago, the Golden Eagles lost a close contest, 9-7.
 
Anna Leva started off the season strong, recording a hat trick in her first game wearing the Green and Gold. Former SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, Allison Jennings added one goal and one assist on the day.
 
Heather Conklin, Natalie Strough, and Cassidy Burnash all found the back of the net as well. Defensively, Maeve Piasecki, Maddie Flack, and Lyndsie Pratt all caused two turnovers each.

Ithaca struck first with a quick goal in the opening minute, but the Green and Gold quickly answered. Leva scored twice in the first half, helping keep the game tight despite Brockport being outshot early on. Goalkeeper Morgan Elmer made nine saves in the first half, on the way to tying her career-high with 16 total stops in the game. Ithaca held a 5-4 lead at the break.
 
Conklin would score on a free position attempt with 22:20 on the clock in the second half, tying the game up at 5-5. Ithaca would score three unanswered goals to grab control of the contest. The hat trick goal from Leva and Jennings beating the keeper cut the Ithaca lead to 8-7 with just over 10 minutes left in the second half. However, the Bombers were able to hold off the Brockport offense and add one more score to take the two-goal victory.
 
The teams finished tied on the stat sheet at 9-9 in draw controls, while Ithaca held a solid 10-3 advantage in free position shots. #13 Brockport opens 2021 at 0-1, while #12 Ithaca improves to 2-0.
 
The Golden Eagles are on the road again Wednesday, March 24^th as they open up SUNYAC Divisional play against Geneseo. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 pm.