HIRAM, OH – First year Megan Smith's three goals led the Hilbert College women's lacrosse team in their 8-6 loss as they opened their 2014 season at Hiram College today.  

The Hawks rallied from three goals down to knot the game, but gave up late scores for their first defeat of the season.  Hiram, who was led by JoLyn Grover's four tallies, evened their record at 1-1.

Megan Stewart continues to shine in goal for Hilbert.  She finished the game with eight saves playing all 60 minutes.  Robbi Bailey played a strong defensive game, picking up six ground balls and causing two turnovers.  Hilbert won nine of the 15 draw-controls with Megan Smith winning five of them.

Hiram found the back of the net within the game's first two minutes.  The Hawks responded with a Nikki Schneider marker off Kirsti Mergenhagen's feed at 25:40.  Both teams settled down and played scoreless ball until Grover netted at 17:05.  

Smith tied it up again and then led Schneider to the frame to give the Hawks a 3-2 advantage just three minutes later.  Hiram found a grove and padded the stats with back-to-back goals for a 4-3 half time lead.

The Terriers' took just four minutes to extend their lead, 6-3, but the Hawks responded when Kelly Mandell found the net at 21:24.

Megan Smith continued to cut the score with a pair of goals to force a tie at 6-6.  Hiram's Grover worked the field for the game's last two scores, the last with just seconds remaining on the clock for the 8-6 victory.

Hilbert returns to action next week when they travel to Florida for their spring training.  The Hawks will square off against Beloit College March 10th.