SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The 11th ranked West Chester University women's lacrosse team scored four special teams goals in a second half rally to defeat Slippery Rock University 10-8 Saturday in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action from Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
 
In a battle of two teams that entered the game with matching 4-1 league records, Slippery Rock jumped out early and dominated the opening 35 minutes. The Rock led 5-1 at halftime and added another tally to lead 6-1 with 24:30 to play. West Chester was held to just two total shots in the opening 27 minutes of the game.
 
After Slippery Rock scored to go up 6-1 early in the second half, West Chester capitalized on special teams and put together an 8-1 run that included three man-up goals and one man-down goal to storm back and take control of the game. The Golden Rams took advantage of 20 second half fouls on SRU during the run and outshot The Rock 13-10 over the second half.
 
West Chester improves to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in PSAC games with the win. Slippery Rock drops to 9-2 overall and 4-2 in league action after playing its third game in the last four days.
 
Caitlynn Palladino led the SRU offense with two goals and one assist, while Bre Vodde and Chynna Chan each tallied two goals. Tori Penders scored one goal and Tia Torchia and Lisa Casagrande each handed out one assist to cap the scorers.
 
Torchia finished with a team-high five draw controls and Danie Porath led the defense with two caused turnovers.
 
Emily Bitka made six saves in goal and finished with three caused turnovers and four ground balls.
 
West Chester was led by Olivia Martin with two goals and two assists and Ashley Pyle with three goals. Nicole Martins made seven saves in the winning effort, including three in the second half.
 
The Golden Rams finished the game with slim advantages of 20-19 in total shots and 11-9 in draw controls. Slippery Rock posted an 18-17 edge in ground balls. The Rock were 9-of-13 in clear attempts and West Chester finished 11-of-16 on the clear.
 
Saturday's game capped a tiring stretch for Slippery Rock that featured three home games in the last four days. The Rock will get a chance to catch their breath now before heading to Indiana (Pa.) Wednesday night for a 7 p.m. game.
 

 
 To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics), Instagram (RockAthletics) and Snapchat (@RockAthletics).