ITHACA, N.Y. – The Cornell women's lacrosse team fought back from an second half nine-goal deficit against No. 10 Princeton, but ultimately fell 18-15 Saturday afternoon at Schoellkopf Field. Shannon Bertscha led the Big Red's (8-7, 4-3 Ivy League) efforts with a career-high five goals. Classmate Tomasina Leska, who contributed four goals and an assist, hit the 100-career-point mark.
 
In addition to Bertscha and Leska, the rest of the senior class comprising of Samantha Nielsen, Natalie Paletta, Hannah O'Reilly and Sarah Phillips were honored following the contest for playing their final game at Schoellkopf Field.
 
The Tigers (12-3, 6-7 Ivy League) established the early lead, opening the scoring with a goal from Elizabeth George just under three minutes into the contest. Less than a minute later, they added their second from Julia Haney to go up 2-0.
 
Bertscha responded with her first of the afternoon on an unassisted tally. Though, the Tigers answered with a 4-0 run, highlighted by two scores from Kyla Sears to push ahead 6-1.
 
The Big Red cut the lead to three with consecutive tallies. The first was scored by Bertscha, while Ellie Walsh added the second on a rocket from 12 yards out that was set up by Grace Paletta.
 
Princeton scored six of the contest's next seven goals, with Sears and Tess D'Orsi each netting a pair during the stretch. The run put the Tigers ahead 12-4 with a 2:23 left in the first half.
 
The lead could have been nine goals heading into the half had it not been for a Mary Kate Bonanni caused turnover and groundball with 32 seconds remaining in the half. The junior captain quickly sent the ball up the field to start the Big Red's fast break. The play eventually led to a Sarah Phillips backhanded goal, which cut the Tigers' lead to seven heading into the break.
 
Princeton opened the second half with two goals in the first 1:44 to make the score 14-5, giving the Tigers their largest lead of the day. Though, Cornell cut into their lead with two quick tallies from Leska and Bertscha, respectively, which came just 24 seconds apart.
 
The Tigers scored two of the next three goals to take the 16-8 lead with 21:51 remaining. But Leska and Bertscha again answered with back-to-back goals – this time within 20 seconds of each other to make it a six goal game.
 
Princeton eventually found itself with an 18-11 lead after a Julia Haney tally with 13:27 left in the contest.
 
Cornell closed the game out on a 4-0 run, but its comeback bid was too late as the Tigers managed to get possession and run the clock out.
 
The Big Red will have its chance at avenging the loss, as the two are pitted to square off in the opening round of the Ivy League Tournament. Opening draw is set for 5 p.m. Friday in New York, N.Y. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+
 

NOTES TO KNOW

• Bertscha's previous career high heading into the contest was two goals, which she last reached against Dartmouth on April 20.
• Leska has register multi-point games in seven-straight contests. The Vestal, New York, native sits at exactly at the 100-point with a total of 79 goals and 21 assists throughout her career.
• Walsh and Allen combined for 13 of the Big Red's 16 draw control wins. Walsh had six, while Allen contributed seven.
• Cornell went 4-5 on free position shots.
• Bonanni caused two turnovers, which tied a career high.