RADFORD, Va. – In the Radford University women's lacrosse team's annual Morgan's Message game, the Highlanders fell to the visiting Furman Paladins by a final score of 14-6 on Wednesday evening.
Furman jumped out to an early lead as they netted the first two goals of the game.
Linley Tirrell put Radford on the board less than three minutes into the contest to halve the deficit. The Paladins then tallied the next nine goals to extend their lead to double digits.
After being down by eight at the halftime break, the Highlanders showed their grit and fight by netting three consecutive goals to close out the third frame. The first of those came via
Margaret Gleason, who registered her team-leading 29
th goal of the season and upped her scoring streak to 12 consecutive games.
Erica Lawrence then fired home a free position shot, her seventh goal of the campaign. Less than two minutes later, Tirrell tallied her second score of the day to shave Furman's lead to seven entering the final period.
A pair of Paladin goals to start the fourth quarter ultimately put the game out of reach, but the Highlanders continued to battle as they recorded two of the game's final three goals. Tirrell finished off her hat trick with nine minutes remaining in the contest and Lawrence found the back of the net for the second time with seven seconds remaining.
Tirrell's hat trick paced Radford's scoring efforts. Lawrence followed with two and Gleason had one.
Olivia Hunter remained solid in goal as she registered 12 saves.
UP NEXT
The Highlanders remain home for their weekend clash against Winthrop. Saturday's 1:00 p.m. conference matchup against the Eagles will serve as Senior Day.
FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S LACROSSE
To follow the Radford women's lacrosse team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordWLAX on Twitter, @radfordwlax on Instagram and Radford Women's Lacrosse on Facebook.
