After Dowling College closed for good in May, several girls had no idea if they were going to get the opportunity to play collegiate lacrosse ever again. NYIT then agreed to add women’s lacrosse team to the school sports program and 14 former Dowling College players and coach Kerri Handras made the transition to NYIT for the inaugural season. The Bears defeated Georgian Court 12-7 on Saturday in the programs first-ever game in a hard fought win.

Now, in the very first home game of women’s lacrosse ever played at NYIT, the Bears pulled off an incredible comeback for their second win of the season. They were down 3-0 in the first half, 4-2 at halftime and were down 5-3 with nine minutes to play but overcame the deficit to defeat Merrimack, 6-5, on Tuesday at President’s Stadium. Senior attacker Katie Meinecke scored the game winning goal with 2:56 remaining for her second of the game. Sophomore midfielder Kim Geiger also scored two clutch goals in the victory.

Senior goaltender Lauren Young made a brilliant save with less than 20 seconds to go to add to her ten save day. The goal would have tied the game. Freshman attacker Lexi Ruiz and senior midfielder Trisha Serras each added two assists of their own.

“Changing schools and now this comeback win today, they just never give up. They believe in themselves and they believe in each other. That was just a great team win,” said Coach Handras.

The number 15 ranked Bears will continue their inaugural season March 3rd at home against District of Columbia in an ECC matchup at 2:30 at President’s Stadium.