George Mason University Athletics

Second-Half Rally Boosts Patriots Past Davidson on Sunday

George Mason Athletics Women's Lacrosse 4/10/2016 3:29:00 PM

FAIRFAX, Va. – On the heels of its first conference loss of the season, the George Mason women's lacrosse team found itself trailing Davidson at halftime and in desperate need of a spark.

Hannah Warpinski delivered.

The sophomore won the draw control, raced down the field and fired in a shot to tie the game – just 13 seconds into the second half. The goal rejuvenated the Patriots, who never trailed after that and scored five goals after halftime to hold off Davidson for an 8-7 victory on Sunday at George Mason Stadium.

Jacquelyn Spalding had three goals and Jordan Sdanowich scored twice to lead Mason (8-3, 3-1 Atlantic 10) to its sixth victory in seven games.

Three straight goals from Alexa McGovern, Sdanowich and Chachi Kelehan put Mason ahead 8-5 with 4:09 left. The Patriots then withstood a furious rally by Davidson, who scored two goals in the last 32 seconds.

Mason led 3-1 just 10 minutes into the game thanks to goals by Sdanowich and back-to-back goals from Spalding. But Davidson slowly rattled off three straight to take a 4-3 lead into halftime.

As the second half started, Warpinski grabbed one of her four draw controls on the day. She sprinted toward the net and fired a goal into the right side of the net for a 4-4 tie at the 29:47 mark. Less than two minutes later, Spalding pushed the Patriots back in front with her third goal off a free position attempt.

Davidson (5-6, 2-2) quickly tied the game up a minute later. Both teams battled for shots and possession over the next 15 scoreless minutes. McGovern ended the drought when she scored the go-ahead goal with 12:01 left with a high shot off an assist from Lydia Montanino. Sixty-five seconds later, Montanio again provided a great feed, this time finding Sdanowich for a goal.

Kelehan's goal for a three-goal lead with 4:09 left proved to be critical as the Widcats scored twice in 29 seconds. After scoring with three seconds left to pull within one, Davidson couldn't corral the draw and time ran out.

Kelehan, McGovern and Warpinski each scored once. In addition to Montanino's two assists, Brooke Lorber also dished out an assist. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Benedetto improved to 5-1 with four saves.

The Patriots hit the road to play La Salle at 6 p.m. on Friday in Philadelphia.

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