Aug. 26, 2005

Erie, Pa. - Freshman midfield Hannah McNally's goal with about five minutes left in regulation gave the Bellarmine University Knights a hard-fought 3-2 win over Mercyhurst Friday afternoon in the 2005 opener for both teams.

McNally's goal came on a rebound of sophomore forward Kim Roberts' point-blank shot, which was denied by Mercyhurst junior goalie Julie Smith.

Despite being outshot 6-3 in the first 35 minutes, the opportunistic Knights took a 2-0 lead at halftime on goals by Roberts at 7:19 and sophomore Sarah Money at 27:04.

The Lakers regrouped at intermission and eventually tied the game on goals by junior defender Vanessa Mourey (39:47) and senior midfield Misty Dennis (55:31).

Mercyhurst had a slight 13-12 advantage in shots.

Smith took the tough loss in goal while the Knights used freshman Kristina Thomas in the first half and freshman Rachel Henderson in the second.

Mercyhurst will look to rebound Saturday, August 27, when it hosts East Stroudsburg at 1:00pm.