HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College women's lacrosse team was energized and produced an impressive 24-22 victory over Penn State Abington (8-1, 4-1 NEAC), who prior to the first draw, was one of only two undefeated Division III teams.

Both teams had to play through a consistent rain fall in the first 45-minutes of action.  Once the sun began to peak through the clouds, Hilbert had already built a sizable lead and it was just a matter of outlasting the comeback the Lions attempted late in the game.

Interim head coach, Melissa Graham has led the Hawks to two wins this season, but today marks the program's biggest win as they earned their first NEAC victory against the #1 team in the league.

"Before the game we talked about how a bunch of other teams had the chance to beat them and failed," said Graham.  We were next in line and had nothing to lose." 

Emily Gawlak and Nikki Schneider were deadly on the field.  Gawlak earned another 15 draw controls and sprinted past defenders to the cage collecting eight goals (three assists, six ground balls).  Schneider maintained her national rankings from the free position shot area going 5-for-7 while posting seven goals and four ground balls on the day.

Crystle Marion and Taylor Corts (5 points) each tossed in three goals off a limited number of attempts.

Brooklynn Gormel notched two markers while Alayna DeFazio's only shot in the game rolled over the line on the wet playing surface.

"Crystle's goals were the momentum we needed and our team-play finally came together," continued Graham.  "Gawlak was special in the midfield but a lot of other players stepped up and contributed.  It was fun to watch them be successful."

Based on team statistics, it was an evenly played game but just after the first draw in the second half, Gawlak's 36th goal of the season gave Hilbert a 20-10 lead. 

The Lions fought a little harder in the second half and won more ground balls out of pure hustle. 

After 20 minutes of action in the second period, Abington battled back and cut the score to 24-16 but Schneider and Gormel knocked in two more goals to stretch the lead back to eight.

The Lions closed the game with six unanswered goals, yet they ran out of time and Hilbert held on for the win.

Ashley Repine has developed into a tough goalie as she was credited with 12 saves in her second victory ever in her first season picking up a stick.

The Hawks (2-6, 1-4 NEAC) have a big test this week when they host cross-town rival Medaille College in a NEAC and Buffalo Cup series game on April 18 at 4pm.