Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Youngstown State women's lacrosse team wrapped up its three-game road stretch against a very talented Pitt squad Tuesday afternoon at Highmark Stadium, falling to the Panthers, 16-5.
With the loss, the Penguins fall to 1-9 overall. Pitt improves to 5-6 with the win.
Claire Baenziger led the way offensively for YSU with a four-goal performance, including three goals in the second half. The four goals are tied for the second-highest total that she has had in a game this season and also marks the fifth-straight game that she has scored at least twice. Gwen Bogash tallied the other goal for YSU.
Baenziger and Mia Yuris were responsible for YSUs two assists during the game.
Mackenzie Flannigan had a quality game defensively, leading YSU in ground balls, caused turnovers, and draw controls, securing three of each.
Alyssa Edwards earned another start in the cage for YSU, playing all 60 minutes and collecting four saves.
The Panthers wasted little time attacking YSU's defense after they controlled the opening draw, scoring the game's opening goal just 45 seconds into the contest. Pitt followed that goal up by adding six more, giving them a 7-0 lead after the opening period.
After the Panthers added another goal to start the second quarter, Claire Baenziger got YSU on the board at the 12:36 mark of the second quarter. Pitt's ability to hold a heavy advantage in draw controls allowed them to continue to attack offensively as they built the score up to 12-1 in the second quarter before Gwen Bogash netted the final goal of the first half with just 43 seconds on the clock.
YSU adjusted during the halftime break and it showed in the third quarter. After two goals from Pitt extended the lead to 14-2, Claire Baenziger was able to capitalize with two goals in a span of 66 seconds, trimming the lead to 14-4 with 8:45 remaining in the third quarter. After two more Pitt goals, one in the third quarter and the next to begin fourth-quarter scoring, Baenziger scored the game's final goal off a feed from Mia Yuris with 3:21 remaining in the contest, as the Panthers prevailed, 16-5.
Pitt outshot YSU, 28-18. The Panthers won the battle 22-7 in the first half, although YSU fired 11 shots in the second half, compared to just six by Pitt.
The Panthers were also very strong on draws, holding a 16-6 advantage.
YSU will return to action this Saturday when they play host to Kent State in a Mid-American Conference matchup. The opening draw is set for noon.
For news and updates throughout the 2026 women's lacrosse season, follow @YSUwlax on X.
