GAFFNEY, S.C. – The University of New Haven women’s lacrosse team neared an upset bid on Friday afternoon, as the Chargers traveled to No. 3 nationally ranked Limestone College for a non-conference showdown. Despite battling back from a three-goal deficit, UNH fell by the final score of 6-5 and dropped to 2-1 on the season. The Saints remained unbeaten and improved to 7-0 with the win.

After falling behind 1-0 early on, the Chargers answered quickly with their first goal of the game. Ashley Ferrandiz connected on a shot from inside the circle to tie the score up at 1-1 at the 23:56 mark. However, the next two goals came from Jessica Aguanno and Jessica Williams of Limestone College, which granted the Saints a 3-1 lead. The home team would carry the advantage into the locker rooms at halftime.

Contrary to the first half, New Haven opened the scoring summary in the second half of action. Alexis Gabbe netted her 13th goal of the season, pulling the Chargers to within one. However, once again the Saints had an answer, scoring back-to-back goals to extend their lead to 5-2.

Gabbe, Ferrandiz and the Chargers wouldn’t go away though, as the duo recorded three consecutive goals to tie the score at 5-5. Gabbe collected the first one at the 24:45 mark and Ferrandiz recorded two more, including the game-tying tally.

Unfortunately, the Saints battled back with another goal off the stick of Aguanno. The team’s sixth and final goal proved to be the difference as the nation’s third ranked team escaped with a 6-5 triumph.

Maureen Spellman was stellar in net, recording a season-high 11 saves.

The Chargers return to the field of play when they cap off their three-game road trip at Assumption College on Wednesday, March 23. Face off is set for 3:30 p.m. in Worcester, Mass.