Box Score ERIE, Pa. – A Clarion goal by Charlotte Allen with just over six minutes remaining sparked a Golden Eagle rally that ultimately came up short as the Mercyhurst Lakers hung on for a 2-1 victory Wednesday afternoon.

Veera Viitikko put the Lakers on the board just 39 seconds into the game with a shot that beat keeper Brigid Stermel.

Stermel and the Golden Eagle defenders buckled down the remainder of the first half, allowing only two additional shots over the next 44 minutes.

Clarion continued to only trail by a 1-0 score until Viitikko struck again for the Lakers, this time a header played in by teammate Maya Bauer to extend the lead.

Allen's goal gave the Golden Eagles life, but a last second shot by Mackenzie Sheldon sailed high and sealed the win for the Lakers. 

Mercyhurst held a 10-6 edge in shots on the day, with nine of those 10 shots reaching goal.

Clarion keeper Brigid Stermel made seven saves in net on Wednesday.

The Golden Eagles will now turn their attention to a home contest Saturday afternoon against the West Chester Golden Rams, starting at 1pm.