The Siena Saints Women's Lacrosse team could not make it four straight wins to open their season on Friday night, as they would fall to the Niagara Purple Eagles by a final score of 12-8. The loss is Siena's first of the season through four games.
 
Annie Brennan, Kaitlyn Dowsett, and Mary Soures each scored twice for the Saints as Brennan also finished with an assist. Kerry Gerety and Nicole McNeely also added goals for Siena while each grabbing four ground balls apiece as well.
 
Niagara saw a six-goal performance from Shea Swartwout, as she scored five of the six off free position opportunities. Mackenzie Travis and Rachel Crane also scored twice for the Purple Eagles, while goaltender Michelle Messenger had a strong effort with 12 saves.
 
Swartwout aided an early lead for the Purple Eagles, scoring four of the first five goals for Niagara. Soures would do the same for the Saints, scoring two of the first three scores for the Green and Gold. The Purple Eagles were able to grab a 4-1 lead through the first 19 minutes of play before Siena looked to Soures and Dowsett for a goal apiece to bring things back within a goal at 4-3. But, Niagara would respond with a four goals of their own to lead 8-3 entering the halfway point.
 
Niagara opened the second half with a goal as well to make it five straight goals before Dowsett ended the streak with a goal at the 21:16 mark in the second. But the Purple Eagles kept on trucking, opening a six goal lead before Siena made a late push in scoring three of the last four goals of the game.
 
Despite the result, Siena was a perfect 13-for-13 on clear attempts, and outshot Niagara 29-20, including a 20-17 breakdown in shots on goal.
 
The Saints return to action Sunday, Mar. 21 as they once again take on Niagara at Niagara Field. Opening draw is slated for 12 PM.