George Mason University Athletics

Lacrosse Comeback Falls Short in Loss to No. 19 UMass

Lacrosse Fends Off St. Bonaventure, Clinches A-10 Tournament Berth

George Mason Athletics Women's Lacrosse 4/23/2016 7:19:00 AM

OLEAN, N.Y. – With a second-half surge, the George Mason women's lacrosse team dispatched a pesky foe, locked up a postseason berth and took a spot in the record books.

Led by Alexa McGovern's career-high tying five goals, the Patriots pulled away for a 17-10 road victory over St. Bonaventure on Friday night to clinch a spot in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament for the second straight year. Mason also picked up its 10th win of the year, registering back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in program history.

With two regular-season games remaining, the Patriots (10-4, 5-2 A-10) have already matched last year's win total and posted just the third 10-win season in the program's 23-year history. The win also guarantees Mason its second consecutive winning season – just the fifth in school history – and ties the record for most conference wins (five) in a season. After last reaching a conference postseason tournament in 2008, the Patriots have made the A-10 Tournament in each of Jessy Morgan's first two years as head coach.

Against St. Bonaventure (3-12, 1-6), Mason found itself in a tight battle. Despite jumping out to a four-goal lead in the first half, the Patriots had to fend off the Bonnies, who tied the game four times.

Tied at 8-8 five minutes into the second half, Mason finally created some breathing room. Freshman Chachi Kelehan started a spurt of five straight goals, with tallies from Jordan Sdanowich, Brooke Lorber, Melissa Lobaccaro and McGovern to take a 13-8 with 11:05 left. The Bonnies pulled back within three goals in less than 90 seconds but the Patriots scored the game's last four goals, including three by McGovern, to secure the victory.

Six Patriots recorded multi-goal games, with three by Hannah Warpinski and two apiece from Jacquelyn Spalding, Kelehan, Lorber and Sdanowich. Kelehan added a career-high four assists for a six-point night. Spalding also had three assists and a career-high four caused turnovers.

Defender Kira Greer compiled a career night with five draw controls and four caused turnovers – both career highs – in addition to four ground balls. In goal, freshman Elizabeth Benedetto made 11 saves to improve to 7-2.

Mason stays on the road to play Saint Joseph's at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Philadelphia for its final road game of the year.

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