NEWBERG, Ore. --- Despite a late comeback effort, the George Fox women's lacrosse team opened their 2024 season with a home loss against NCAA Tournament competition in the Mount Union Purple Raiders, 16-14.

How It Happened
The first quarter of the game was an extremely tight contest, as the Bruins and Purple Raiders were neck-and-neck in almost every category. Both teams put eight shots on goal and made four saves, sending them into the end of the period tied, 4-4.  Three of Fox's goals came in the first five minutes of play, with Olivia Geyling's opening goal of the season bookended by two scores from Carleigh DeLapp.

Mount Union opened the scoring in the second quarter, but the Bruins quickly responded with another goal from DeLapp. The Purple Raiders found some offensive rhythm, however, tacking on three straight goals to head into halftime ahead, 8-7.

The Bruins outshot Mount Union again in the third period, but only found the net once, on the back of a free-position shot by Ava Bluhm. The Purple Raiders were more efficient, converting three of their four shots on goal to extend their lead, 11-9, heading into the final period.

Mount Union's momentum continued early into the fourth quarter, as they quickly scored twice to pull ahead by five with eleven minutes to play. The momentum shifted when Ava Bluhm converted another free position shot and followed it with her fourth goal of the game just twenty seconds later. Lana Davis found the net next, giving Fox their third goal in three minutes and putting them right back in the game, just two behind.

Mount Union went on a three goal run of their own to put a dent in the Bruins' comeback hopes, before Fox exploded with three more scores in thirty seconds. DeLapp and Bluhm each scored their fifth goal of the game, before Geyling put one in the top corner to pull within two yet again. The comeback came to an end when the Bruins lost the next draw, allowing the Purple Raiders to wind down the clock and win the game, 16-14. 

Coach's Thoughts
"We definitely had some harder learning moments tonight.  When you play against a team of Mount Union's caliber, you don't have much room for error." said Bruin head coach Katie Brand, "However, I am so proud of the way our players fought back and continued to push themselves. We missed some key opportunities tonight, but after watching my players fight, I know they will be hungry for the next game."

Top Performances
Ava Bluhm and Carleigh DeLapp led the Bruins in scoring, notching five goals each to open their 2024 campaigns. Olivia Geyling scored twice and had two assists on the day to aid the offensive effort. Defensively, Emma Webb recorded ten saves, while Payton Bergren collected three ground balls.

What It Means
Fox starts their year 0-1, while the Raiders improve to 3-0 on the season.  

Up Next
The Bruins will host their first conference matchup of the season on Saturday against the Whitman Blues. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.