The Lindenwood women's lacrosse team (1-0) won the season-opener in dramatic fashion 14-13 over Youngstown State (0-1) on Friday night in Youngstown, Ohio.

GAME OVERVIEW
The Penguins jumped out to a 2-0 lead five minutes into the game. Luci Selander got Lindenwood on the board one minute later, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Youngstown State scored the next three goals to push the lead to 5-1. Claire Blue scored her first collegiate goal assisted by Isabella Rulapaugh to pull Lindenwood within three at 5-2. The Penguins added one more goal before the end of the quarter and were up 6-2 after 15 minutes.

Lindenwood compiled eight shots on goal in the second frame and five found the back of the net. After YSU went up 8-3, the Lions scored four unanswered goals to get within one at 8-7. Selander finished off her first half hat trick, while Alissa DiGiacinto scored a pair and Reese Krieger scored one. Aislinn Sweeney made a big save late to keep the Lions within one at halftime.

Youngstown State started the second half fast with the first three goals, pushing the lead to 11-7. Selander found the back of the net for the fourth time on the night at the 5:36 mark of the frame, making the score 11-8. Lindenwood trailed by three heading to the fourth.

Selander got the scoring started in the fourth with her fifth of the night, cutting the deficit to 11-9. Emma Walsh continued the scoring run for Lindenwood, assisted by Selander, getting the Black and Gold within one. Youngstown State restored a two-goal lead with one at the 7:24 mark. The Penguins added another one minute later, going up 13-10. Lindenwood wouldn't go away easily with goals from DiGiacinto and Krieger, both assisted by Selander. Selander tied the game with a tough angle shot at 2:24, making the score 13-13. After each team traded stops, this game needed overtime.

In the overtime session, Ryleigh Cavanaugh won the opening draw and DiGicinto took it coast-to-coast to complete the thrilling comeback and help Lindenwood earn the 14-13 win in the season opener.

GAME LEADERS
Luci Selander (nine points, six goals, three assists)
Julia Bella (four caused turnovers, six ground balls, three draw controls)
Aislin Sweeney (11 saves)

UP NEXT
The Lions will travel to Erie, Pa. for a matchup with Mercyhurst on Monday, February 10 at 12:00 p.m. CT.