FORT WAYNE, IND. — Missouri Baptist University women's lacrosse jumped out to an early lead but could not hold off a second-half surge from Indiana Tech University, falling 17-12 on Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans opened the game strong, building a 4-1 advantage late in the first quarter behind early offensive pressure. Delaney Pechnik led the charge during the opening stretch, while Marissa Oldham and Skyler Morrissey also found the back of the net to give Missouri Baptist momentum.

Indiana Tech responded late in the first quarter and carried that momentum into the second, scoring three straight goals to take a 5-4 lead. Pechnik answered with her third goal of the game to tie things at 5-5, but the Warriors added two late scores before halftime to take a 7-5 lead into the break.

The Warriors extended their lead in the third quarter with a six-goal period. The Spartans continued to battle offensively with goals from Pechnik, Oldham, and Alexis Taylor, but Indiana Tech maintained control heading into the final quarter with a 13-8 advantage.

Missouri Baptist made a late push in the fourth quarter as Morrissey and JaíHyghness Ward helped cut the deficit to three goals midway through the period. However, Indiana Tech responded with three consecutive goals to put the game out of reach before Morrissey added a final goal late in the contest.

Pechnik led the Spartans with five goals and a game-high 12 draw controls. Morrissey added three goals, while Oldham scored twice, and Ward and Taylor each added a goal. Madison Terrell and Sophia Rose combined for five assists to help pace the offense.

The Spartans will return to battle next Wednesday, March 11, to take on the Ottawa University Braves. Face-off is set for 4 p.m.