VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton women's lacrosse battled with Pitt Sunday, but gave up two key runs in a 17-11 defeat to the Panthers at Highmark Stadium. The Bearcats (3-4) were strong on the draw, and took 35 shots to Pitt's 34 despite the loss.

Kenna Newman and Olivia Muscolino netted hat tricks to lead the Bearcats. Newman got the team going early, scoring two of BU's first three goals. Muscolino got in on the action in the second, and scored twice more and had two shots hit the post late. Kristen Scheidel scored her first two goals of the year and Marisa Tancredi added the first goal of her career.

Defensively, Paige Alletzhauser and Tancredi caused two turnovers apiece. Sofia Afkham also had seven draw controls, making her season total 40.

Newman scored the first goal of the game, but Pitt answered with three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead. Scheidel put one away to make it 3-2 and Newman added another to end the period, despite the Panthers scoring two more of their own.

Down 5-3 in the second, BU relinquished four goals and scored just once to head into the break. Muscolino scored her first of the game, but Binghamton trailed 9-4 at halftime.

Pitt used a pivotal three straight goals to take a 12-4 lead in the third. Muscolino, Newman and Jesse Barer all helped the Bearcats score four of the period's five final goals to keep the game in reach at 13-8.

Another Panther run put the game out of reach at 17-8, but Binghamton closed on a high note, scoring three straight to end the game. Tancredi put away her first goal of the year and Hayley Weltner got on the scoresheet. Scheidel scored her second of the game to finalize the score.

The Bearcats will return home for a contest with Quinnipiac Saturday. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.