WORCESTER, Mass. – The No. 19 Assumption University women's lacrosse team fell to No. 14 Bentley by a 13-12 decision in a Northeast-10 Conference matchup between nationally-ranked programs at Brian Kelly Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Assumption scored the first two goals in the opening five minutes of the contest and never trailed until the home stretch. Sophomore Olivia Catanzarite (East Longmeadow, Mass.) broke an 11-11 tie by scoring her second goal of the contest with 3:32 remaining in regulation. Bentley, however, answered right back by winning the next draw and scoring on the offensive possession to knot the score at 12s with three minutes to go.

Even though the Greyhounds won the ensuing crucial draw, a turnover caused by Katherine Hesslink gave the Falcons the ball back, and Cara McCarthy came through by blitzing past several Assumption defenders and creating her own shot. Leading 13-12 with 1:44 left, Bentley won the next draw and was then able to run down the clock to escape with the win.

Assumption started the game off hot and led by scores of 5-2 after one quarter of play and 8-3 at the break. However, Bentley did not go away and clawed back by most notably converting five free position shots in the second half.

After going behind by six at 10:04 with 9:51 left in the third quarter when Catanzarite set up junior Jenna Joseph (Longmeadow, Mass.) for a marker, the Falcons embarked on a 9-2 run to pull out the victory. The McCarthy goal with 1:44 remaining in regulation gave the Falcons the first and only lead they needed to eventually triumph.

Caroline Affolter and McCarthy scored three goals apiece for Bentley (3-1, NE10 2-0), which had a 30-28 edge in shots, an 18-16 advantage in ground balls, and won 16 of the 29 draws. Affolter also finished with six draw controls, while Caroline Fish had three caused turnovers and three draw controls. Goalie Maya Rose earned the win after stopping 11 Greyhound shots.

Assumption (3-3, NE10 1-1) was led on the offensive end by Joseph and Catanzarite. Joseph finshed with two goals and three assists, while Catanzarite had a pair of goals and two helpers. Both players also combined to win eight draw controls. Graduate student Alison Foley (Walpole, Mass.) netted a hat trick, senior Lauren Jakobs (Naples, Maine) caused two turnovers while factoring into two goals, and senior goalie Allie Collins (Natick, Mass.) made 10 saves.

The Greyhounds will remain at home to next face No. 3 Adelphi on Saturday at noon.