GREENSBURG, Pa. -- The sixth-ranked East Stroudsburg University lacrosse team opened the postseason with a dominant 13-2 win over Mercyhurst in the PSAC Semifinals on Friday afternoon at Seton Hill's Dick's Sporting Goods Field.

With the win, the Warriors (16-1) advance to its sixth PSAC Championship game on Sunday at noon against West Chester. The Golden Rams advanced to the PSAC Championship with a 17-8 win over tournament host Seton Hill in their semifinal contest.

The Lakers (14-5) are eliminated from the PSAC Tournament and will find out if they have qualified for the NCAA Tournament during the NCAA DII Women's Lacrosse Selection Show on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Notables

• Kiki Fitzpatrick (1 goal, 4 assists) and Emily Mitarotonda (3 goals, 2 asssits) led the Warriors with five points each. Fitzpatrick added three draw controls and caused a turnover, while Mitarotonda, the PSAC East Athlete of the Year added four draw controls, two caused turnovers and two ground balls.
• McKenna Conklin and Sophia Graffeo each posted a three goals.
• Gianna LeDuc aaded a pair of goals, along with an assist. 
• Madison Bagatta capped the scoring with a goal in the fourth quarter.
• McKenzie Gaghan (W, 10-1) made six saves and conceded just two goals in her 10th win of 2022.
• ESU led in shots (30-10), shots on goal (24-8) and ground balls (20-17)
• ESU seeks its second-ever PSAC title, with its first coming in the 2017 season.
• The Warriors have competed in the PSAC Championship in 1985 (WCU 25, ESU 9), 1986 (WCU 14, ESU 6), 2000 (Bloomsburg 11, ESU 10), 2017 (ESU 10, Mercyhurst 9) and 2019 (West Chester 13, ESU 9).

How it Happened

• The Warriors built a 9-0 halftime lead and increased its advantage to 11-0 before allowing its first goal with 3:22 remaining in the third quarter.
• ESU responded with a goal with eight seconds remaining in the quarter, retaking an 11-goal advantage at 12-1.
• The Lakers opened the fourth quarter scoring with a goal at the 11:57 mark, as the Warriors closed the scoring with a goal from Bagatta with 5:24 remaining.  

Up Next

• ESU seeks its second PSAC Championship and looks to defeat the Golden Rams for the second time in three games this season on Sunday.
• Game time is set for noon on Sunday at Seton Hill's Dick's Sporting Goods Field.