BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – The Geneva College women's lacrosse team put together its best defensive performance in the young history of the program on Wednesday afternoon at home against La Roche, holding the Redhawks to just eight goals, but the offense couldn't keep up in an 8-2 loss.

La Roche came into the match fresh off a 14-3 victory over Presidents' Athletic Conference opponent Thiel, but the Geneva defense proved formidable in the match.  The Redhawks opened the contest with two goals, but junior Mara Fowlow answered with back-to-back goals to pull Geneva even at 2-2.

The offense for Geneva slowed down after Fowlow's burst, though.  La Roche closed the first quarter with a late goal and added two more in the second quarter to grab a 5-2 lead at the break.

The Golden Tornadoes continued to make life difficult for the La Roche attack, giving up just three goals in the second half, but Geneva never found any offense in the final two quarters before falling 8-2.

Fowlow and junior Julianna Easley both finished with five shots apiece, accounting for 10 of Geneva's 12 shots.  Senior Hannah Skwarek finished with a career high nine groundballs and six caused turnovers, part of that effective Geneva defense.  Sophomore Alyse Smith also put together another strong game with five ground balls and three caused turnovers.   Junior Lexi Lee made seven saves in net for the women.

Geneva will wrap up its three-game homestand on Saturday with a 1:00 p.m. match against Buffalo State.