Sophomore goalie Michelle Messenger made 18 saves to help the Niagara women's lacrosse team defeat Saint Francis (PA), 11-8, on Sunday afternoon. On the other end of the field, the Purple Eagles got multi-goal performances from Lucy Rugaber (3), Jenna Brill (2), and Allison McCormick (2) to earn their second win of the season. Game Recap The Red Flash opened the scoring 2:26 into the contest, and the game continued to see-saw for the next 20 minutes. McCormick responded to the opening tally with her first of the day less than two minutes later. Saint Francis broke deadlocks at 1-1, 2-2, and 3-3, but each goal was answered by a tying Niagara strike. Rugaber, Alexandra Leo, and Jenna Brill accounted for the scoring that brought it to a 4-4 game. Rugaber's second goal of the opening half put Niagara in the lead, 5-4, with 5:28 to play. A successful a free position attempt by Mara Hathaway put Niagara up by two 69 seconds later. The Red Flash cored late in the first and early in the second to make it 6-6, but Rugaber restored the lead with another goal 2:13 into the half. Saint Francis drew level again just 13 seconds later, but the Purple Eagles went on an offensive tear that finally gave them some breathing room. McCormick scored on a free position, and was quickly followed by Mackenzie Travis, making it 9-7. Brill and Shea Swartwout each netted free position goals to open up a four-point lead with 13:01 remaining in regulation. Defensive Spotlight Not only did Messenger stop 18 of the 24 shots on net; she also corralled a career-high eight ground balls, breaking her previous best of five. Anna Donnelly, Lauren Paul, and Hathaway accounted for three ground balls apiece. Milestones Met Messenger entered today's game 17 saves shy of entering the top-10 for saves in a career by a Niagara goalie. With her final save of the day, she passed Jen Cavaretta ('02) and tied fellow teammate Maren Geiger in ninth place with the 110th save of her career. Up Next The Purple Eagles open up a six-game road trip when they head to Binghamton on Tuesday. Game time against the Bearcats is scheduled for 3 p.m.