HAVERFORD, Pa. -- The Haverford College women's lacrosse team (8-5, 4-2 CC) was edged by Centennial Conference opponent Washington College (9-5, 4-2 CC) by a score of 9-7 on Wednesday night under the lights at Swan Field. The game was crucial for both teams as they continue to fight for playoff position in the conference. Despite an onslaught of shots from the Fords, Washington goalie Haylee Solomon played an excellent game and made 16 saves on 31 total shots to help preserve the Shorewomen's lead.

Washington broke the scoreless tie with a goal just over three minutes into regulation and then followed with another goal shortly after to make the score 2-0. Undaunted, the Fords countered with four consecutive scores, including two by Sarina Manetta, and one each from Molly Lausten and Allie Gibbons. Manetta, a junior, also scored a goal in the second half and now has 18 goals on the season. She led the team in ground balls as well with five.

The Shorewomen went on a scoring run of their own later in the frame, but Haverford's Rina Rosnow answered with a goal at the seven-second mark of the first half to give the Fords a big momentum swing and cut Washington's lead to 6-5 heading into the break. The goal was assisted by Christina Gould, who had three helpers on the day and leads the team with 26 assists this season.

In the second half, the Shorewomen buckled down on defense and held the Fords to two goals in a late rally attempt-- Rosnow's second and Manetta's third-- both of which came in the final minutes of the game.

In all, Haverford won the battle for ground balls (22-17), shots (31-9), and turnovers (13-22). In net, Megan Chenworth made six saves on 15 shots.

The Fords return to action this weekend with a road game against No. 4 Franklin & Marshall at 1 p.m. They'll then wrap up the regular season with two home games next week starting with Ursinus on Wednesday at 4 p.m.