Despite frigid temperatures and double-digit wind gusts, the Niagara women's lacrosse team got its first win of the season in its home debut against Merrimack. Shea Swartwout posted six points (5 G, 1 A), while Michelle Messenger made 12 saves in relief to earn her second career victory. Game Recap Swartwout made quick work of the Merrimack defense, knifing through the Warriors to score the opening goal 1:35 into the game. Swartwout won the ensuing draw, allowing for a quick goal by Eliza Wild just 17 seconds later. The tally was Wild's first collegiate goal. Merrimack struck back for three unanswered to take a 3-2 lead, but Alexandra Leo took a Swartwout pass and buried the ball to tie the game up with 10:15 elapsed in the first. The Warriors regained the lead a few minutes later, prompting the Purple Eagles to bring in Messenger off the bench. Meghan Howe won the following draw, and 64 seconds later, Alina Del Toro's fourth goal of the year had tied the game once again. Allison McCormick made it 5-4 Purple Eagles with 1:55 to play in the opening half. Jenna Brill provided the assist on McCormick's second strike of 2020. Merrimack responded to make it a 5-5 game, but the Purple Eagles got two quick goals from Swartwout – including one on a free position shot – to regain a two-goal lead with 6:23 on the clock. Opening up the second half with a one-goal lead, Swartwout scored her fourth of the day to make it 8-6 Niagara with 4:39 gone. A Merrimack score was once again offset by an answer from Niagara. This time, it was Brill on a free position goal that made it a 9-7 lead. Lucy Rugaber set up Swartwout with her fifth foal of the game after nine scoreless minutes that also saw the Purple Eagles ward off a man-up opportunity for the Warriors. Merrimack narrowed the score to 10-8 with 2:51 left in regulation, but Messenger made two critical saves – one on a free position attempt – to hold the Warriors at bay as the clock ran out. Defensive Spotlight In addition to her contributions up front, Swartwout also won a game-high five draw controls. Messenger played 41:55 in relief, making 12 saves on 16 shots. She also finished with a game-high six ground ball pickups. Lauren Paul caused two turnovers. Up Next The Purple Eagles roll out to Marquette for a showdown with the Golden Eagles on Sunday. Opening draw is set for 12 p.m.