(Lancaster, Pa.) – The Dickinson women's lacrosse team played extremely well through the better part of the first half against #4-ranked Franklin & Marshall, but the Diplomats were able to build a lead, late in the half and over the remainder of the game for a 15-3 decision on Saturday.

The Diplomats put a goal on the board, just 54 seconds in, but then the Red Devils settled in and made a couple of nice defensive stands. Dickinson pulled even as first-year Eleanor Kaestner (Glyndon, Md./Franklin) scored off an assist from Caroline Clancy (Monkton, Md./Hereford) at the 24:07 mark.

Anastasia Mergner made a nice move, countering for F&M on the ensuing draw. Following a nice save from F&M's Danielle Harrington, junior Tara Cuddihy (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge) turned away a shot to keep the score 2-1.

The Diplomats called a timeout to regroup with just over 18 minutes remaining in the half. They scored right out of the break to take a 3-1 lead. F&M controlled the draw but Dickinson once again forced a turnover and had a strong offensive possession.

F&M capitalized on a turnover and stretched the lead to 4-1 on a fast break. The Devils made another defensive stand as Cuddihy made another big save. Maddy Siebold (Mountain Lakes, N.J./Mountain Lakes) made a great dodge, finding the back of the net at the 12:08 mark.

The Diplomats went up 6-2 as Clare Johnson finished a nice feed to the back post and Maddie Hughes slipped a shot just inside the post. F&M struck again at the 4:24 mark and tacked on a pair of late goals to hold a 9-2 advantage at halftime.

First-year Anne Dunster (Cos Cob, Conn./Greenwich) opened the second half with an early goal, finishing and assist from classmate Sam Marmo (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Immaculate Heart). Unfortunately, that would be the last of the day for the Devils.

Paige Moriarty would net three in the second half to lead the Diplomats, finishing with four goals and one assist.

Siebold was dominant on draws, controlling a game-high eight, while senior Moira Mahoney (Wayne, Pa./Radnor) caused three turnovers and controlled three ground balls.

The Red Devils were able to produce shots, holding a 25-24 advantage and forcing Harrington to make 12 saves. Cuddihy finished with six saves, adding a caused turnover and two GBs.

The Diplomats improve to 17-1 overall and finish 9-0 in the Centennial Conference to secure the top seed in the playoffs. The Red Devils slip to 9-7 overall and 5-4 in the conference. Dickinson earned the number five seed and will travel to Haverford College on Wednesday for the first round of the playoffs.