PITTSBURGH – The Duquesne lacrosse team came up just short in a hard-fought Senior Day battle, falling 17-16 to Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon at Rooney Field.

Senior Mackenzie Leszczynski led the Dukes with a career-high seven goals – tied for the third-most in a single game in program history – including six in the first half as Duquesne built a 13-8 halftime lead. Rhode Island responded with a 6-1 run in the third quarter to tie the game heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter featured ties at 15-15 and 16-16 before the Rams netted the go-ahead goal with 4:36 remaining. Duquesne forced a pair of turnovers in the final two minutes but was unable to get a possession in the offensive third.

Corinne Webb and Gracin Emerson each recorded first-half hat tricks and finished with three goals apiece. Webb's performance marked her third straight game with a hat trick and her team-best eighth of the season.

Tristen Chang scored twice, including the game-tying 16th goal in the fourth, while Haley Reeck added a goal on Senior Day. Emerson also notched two assists to finish with five points and a team-leading 24 assists on the season. Leszczynski, Chang and Emily King added an assist apiece.

Defensively, Hanna Pawela capped her career with a dominant performance, tallying a season-best seven caused turnovers, six ground balls and three draw controls.

Rhode Island was led by seven goals from Caralie Basuel and six from Brinley Myers. Goalkeeper Casey Phelps made 14 saves. The Rams converted 9 of 10 free-position attempts. Duquesne was limited to 1-for-3 on free-position shots.

Korrigan Sweeney started in goal and played nearly 50 minutes, taking the loss. Megan LaBorne played 10 minutes in relief.

IN THE RECORD BOOK
Leszczynski finishes her Duquesne career ranked sixth all-time in goals (144), tied for seventh in assists (51), and second in draw controls (215). Pawela concludes her time in the Red and Blue second in caused turnovers (158) and fourth in ground balls (169)

SENIOR DAY
Prior to the game, Duquesne honored its seven seniors: Tristen Chang, Cameron Counts, Emily King, Mackenzie Leszczynski, Hanna Pawela, Haley Reeck and Corinne Webb. Four found the back of the net, combining for 13 of Duquesne's 16 goals.

"The senior class has been an amazing group to work with," head coach Tracy Coyne said. "They are very dedicated and committed, and they really put their heart and soul into the lacrosse program in trying to build a positive culture."