MACON, Ga. – The Mercer women's lacrosse team conquered Detroit Mercy in the teams' first Southern Conference battle of the 2019 season. The Bears walked away with the 21-11 win after a dominate performance from freshman Hailey Rhatigan, who led the Orange and Black with a career-high seven goals. HOW IT HAPPENED Despite the Titans notching the first goal of the game, Mercer instantly retaliated with a 5-2 run, sparked by Rhatigan. Eva Thorn assisted Kelly Hagerty for her first goal of the afternoon to extend the Bears' lead 7-3. After back-and-forth goals, the Orange and Black notched three consecutive scores to push their lead to 11-5. Detroit Mercy found the back of the net three times to tighten the score, 11-8, before the half. Rhatigan recorded her fifth goal of the game as well as the first goal to start the second half. The Bears closed the game with a 9-3 run that included goals by Catie Snee (1), Rhatigan (2), Hagerty (2) Caroline Kerr (1), Kendall Garrett (1), Sami Van Slyke (1) and Katie Ryan (1). NOTABLES Mercer outshot the Titans 49-24 and led the circle with 20 draw controls compared to their 14. The Titans had 20 turnovers, 18 being caused by the Bears. Hailey Rhatigan led the Bears with a career-high seven goals and two assists. Kelly Hagerty and Catie Snee combined for seven goals, one assist, six ground balls, four caused turnovers and five draw controls. Eva Thorn notched a game-high four assists. The junior also added one goal. Audrey Robertson registered a game-high seven ground balls off seven caused turnovers. Michaela Lucas recorded led the game with eight draw controls. Iseabal Cryne notched eight saves for a .500 save percentage. Katie Ryan recorded her first goal of the season. RECORDS UPDATE Mercer: 4-6, 1-0 SoCon Detroit Mercy: 3-6, 0-1 SoCon UP NEXT Mercer will continue its weekend hosting Central Michigan on Sunday, March 31 at noon for another SoCon showdown.