EASTON, PA. - The Binghamton University women's lacrosse team used a strong offensive first half and a gritty defensive effort down the stretch to take down undefeated Lafayette by a score of 9-7 Wednesday evening. The victory is the team's first of the season and avenges a 13-12 loss to the Leopards in 2019.

"I am just really proud of this team for their response today," head coach Stephanie Allen said. "We prepared with great focus and buy-in the past two days and it showed out there tonight. The energy was definitely something we will carry over into the weekend."

Paige Volkmann notched her second hat-trick of the season and Sidra Morchower added two goals and an assist to lead the Bearcats offensively. Alyssa Sanchez and Rebecca Korn contributed a goal and an assist, while Isabella Meli and Sofia Afkham rounded out the scoring with a goal apiece. Korn's goal was the first of her collegiate career.

The first half went back-and-forth to begin, with Volkmann getting things going with a goal off a feed from Sanchez. The Leopards would respond with two straight to take their only lead of the game before Volkmann, Morchower and Afkham came through with goals to give the Bearcats breathing room.

Lafayette was able to tie the score at four, but the Bearcats registered three of the final four goals of the half, including back-to-back conversions by rookies Korn and Meli.

The second half was a different story for both sides. Binghamton netted a goal early in the half, and Lafayette answered with two of their own to tighten it up and create positive momentum. 24 minutes later, the score finished at 9-7 and the Bearcats pulled out a gritty victory with great defense and timely saves by Taylor Passuello.

Paige Alletzhauser had two caused turnovers and Alexa Franze picked up three ground balls. The Bearcats caused 16 turnovers in total, including four failed clears.

Binghamton will head to the Hudson Valley for a matchup with Marist on Saturday. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.