NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Binghamton women's lacrosse had their comeback attempt come up just short in a thriller at Niagara Field on Sunday afternoon. Abigail Carroll scored four goals to lead the Bearcats. Isabella Meli, Kenna Newman, and Hayley Weltner all added two goals. Weltner also had a game-high eight draw controls. Weltner tied the program record with 11 draw controls against Lafayette on Wednesday. Angelina Suau had a game-high three caused turnovers, while Tiana Vazquez had a team-high three ground balls. Emily Manning made eight saves.

Binghamton trailed 4-2 at the end of the first period. The Bearcats received goals from Newman and Olivia Muscolino in the opening period. Niagara stretched the lead to 7-2 with 8:16 left in the second period. However, Binghamton responded with two unanswered goals courtesy of Weltner and Meli, but Niagara still led at halftime, 7-4.

The Bearcats started fast in the third period by getting goals Carroll and Meli, which made the score 7-6 with 7:22 left in the period. Both teams would trade goals in the next few minutes. Newman kept the Bearcats within one with her second goal of the game with 4:31 left in the period. Although, Niagara would gain momentum on a goal from Lois Garlow with three seconds left in the third period and they led 9-7.

In the beginning of the fourth period, Carroll answered for Binghamton in just 16 seconds with her second goal of the contest.  Carroll quickly tied the game at 9-9 with 12:56 left in the game. Niagara would score four unanswered goals in an eight minute span, putting the Purple Eagles up 13-9 with four minutes left. Binghamton converted two free position attempts into goals in 32 seconds as Carroll and Madison Murphy each found the back of the net. Niagara still held a 13-11 lead with 3:13 left in the game. Weltner recorded her second goal of the game bringing the Bearcats within one with 2:28 left. The Bearcats could not draw any closer, and Niagara held on for a 13-12 victory. 

"It was great to see our team battle back today," said head coach Stephanie Allen. "Our execution between the 30s, especially at the draw, was outstanding today. We continue to work on consistency on both ends and will maintain that focus heading into our last few games before conference play."

The Bearcats host Colgate on Wednesday, March 8 at 4 p.m.