HAVERFORD, Pa. - The Haverford College women's lacrosse team fell short in its bid for a third-straight appearance in the Centennial Conference playoffs as the Fords dropped a tight, 11-8, contest to visiting Swarthmore College at Swan Field on Saturday afternoon.
Converting her 12th free position shot of the season and program-record 43rd of her career, senior Josie Ferri provided Haverford with an early 1-0 lead just a minute and a half into the contest.
The Fords continued their early surge with two of the next three as Perrin Downing and Diana Perry also tallied free position goals to extend the Haverford advantage to 3-1.
The Garnet responded with four straight to take a 5-3 lead before Ferri closed out the scoring in the first half with her second of the day and 30th of the season in the final minute.
Annalise Penikis scored her second goal of the game just 17 seconds into the second half to thwart Haverford's hopes of another fast start to a period and Beth Martin followed with her 12th of the season to push Swarthmore ahead, 7-4.
Answering with her second successful free position shot of the day, Downing brought the Fords within two with 25 minutes remaining in the game.
The Garnet surged once again as they scored three of the next four to take a 10-6 lead with 6:33 on the clock. Megan Gallagher registered the lone Haverford goal in that stretch.
Perry and Ferri tallied back-to-back unassisted goals to rally the Fords to within two, 10-8, but Swarthmore held on for the victory and the ticket to the conference playoffs.
The loss also tightened this year's race for the Hood Trophy between Haverford and Swarthmore.
Ferri finished with three goals in her final collegiate contest to lead Haverford. She also chipped in with four ground balls and two draw controls. Ferri ends her career with a program-record 151 draw controls overall.
Senior Leah Hammerschlag (6-10) made nine saves in her last appearance on Swan Field. Hammerschlag also led the team with five ground balls.
Penikis, the leading scorer in the conference, took game-high scoring honors with four goals and one assist. Michelle Ammerman (10-4) earned the win in goal.
The contest also marked the final appearance for seniors Alexis Bond, Alexa Pesce, and Jen Schmidt. Pesce ends her career as the program leader in career assists with 83.