RADNOR, Pa. - The Immaculata University field hockey team fell behind early in a pivotal Atlantic East Conference matchup Thursday night, but the Macs fell one goal short despite a second-half tally from Willa Thompson, dropping the contest 2-1. With the result, the Macs claim the sixth seed in the Atlantic East Conference Tournament and will travel to third-seeded Marywood Monday for their quarterfinal matchup.

Thompson's goal was her sixth of the season - which ties her for the team lead - while her point total increased to a team-leading 15 on the night.

HOW IT HAPPENED
-Cabrini opened the scoring early in the opening half of Thursday's bout, as Trisha Billig found the back of the cage in the sixth minute. The Macs were unable to respond in the remainder of the first half as the hosts took a one-goal lead into the half.
-Billig doubled the Cavaliers' lead in the first five minutes of the second half, increasing the IU deficit to two.
-With just under 15 minutes remaining in regulation, Thompson sparked the Macs with a 56th minute goal when a loose ball deflected off the defender's stick right to Thompson who fired and beat the goalkeeper.
-The Macs held the pressure in the Cabrini defensive end in the final minutes of regulation, but shots from Macy Green, Colleen Bradley and Hilary Burkholder were all met by saves as the Cavaliers escaped with the 2-1 win.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
-Goals: Thompson (6)
-Points: Thompson 2 (15)
-Saves: Victor 4

UP NEXT
Immaculata travels to DeSales Saturday for its regular season finale and final tune-up heading into the Atlantic East Conference Tournament set to start Monday.