MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's lacrosse team rallied after a first quarter deficit to defeat Fredonia 14-8 in Meadville Wednesday (March 20).
 
After the first quarter, the Gator defense allowed just two goals the rest of the way.
 
The Gators struck first as Emily Herrold (Hampstead, Md./Manchester Valley) found Lauren Petrarca (Simi Valley, Calif./Royal) in front of the net minutes in. After a Blue Devil goal, Petrarca scored her second goal after causing a turnover at midfield. Ema Caragein (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton La Salle) also scored unassisted in the opening quarter, however, Fredonia led 6-3 after 15 minutes.
 
Caragein's second goal, this time a player-up free-position goal, opened the scoring in the second. Petrarca completed her hat trick less than a minute later to cut the deficit to one goal. The Gators took advantage of another Fredonia penalty as Herrold tied the game. Katherine Surdykowski (Chesterfield, N.Y./Northern Burlington County Regional) then gave Allegheny the lead with an unassisted tally midway through the frame. After Fredonia tied it back up, Petrarca scored another tough goal to put Allegheny in front. Caragein also completed a hat trick before halftime as Allegheny led 9-7.
 
In the third, Petrarca, Caragein and Ashley Amato (Westerly, R.I./Westerly) found the back of the net while the team held the Blue Devils scoreless, increasing their lead to 12-7 heading into the fourth.
 
Petrarca and Surdykowski notched goals in the fourth as the Gators held Fredonia to just one late goal to secure the win.
 
Inside the Box

• Petrarca led the way with six goals in addition to three draw controls and two groundballs.
• Caragein tied a career-high with four goals.
• Surdykowski had a pair of goals with three groundballs.
• Amato tallied a goal and had five groundballs to lead the team while causing two turnovers.
• Herrold had a goal and an assist with four groundballs.
• Sybi Gerhart (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) had a season-high five caused turnovers.
• Sarah Thorman (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial) made 10 saves in net to earn the victory. 

News and Notes

• Allegheny is now 11-15 all-time against Fredonia.
• The win marked the first for Interim Head Coach Georgie Volna. 

Up Next
The Gators are back in action next Saturday (March 30) as they open Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play against defending champion Washington and Jefferson at noon.