The 11th ranked University of Mary Washington women's lacrosse team raced to an early 8-2 lead, but had to come from behind late to top previously undefeated Meredith University, 12-11, on Sunday in Raleigh, N.C. The Eagles improve to 5-0 on the season.

After the Avenging Angels found the scoreboard in the opening minutes on a free position score, the Eagles took the lead with goals from Allison Davis at 27:10 and from Julia Albert at 26:08. After another Angels score, the Eagles reeled off six straight to take an 8-2 advantage.

Hope Lockwood scored with 23:59 left in the half, and was followed by Holly Hudson on a free position score with 19:59 remaining. Albert scored on a man up opportunity with 15:29 to go, and Mackenzie Maguire followed on an Albert assist with 14:39 on the clock. Hudson scored 38 seconds later, and Albert added another with 12:55 left to push the margin to 8-2.

Meredith closed the gap to 8-6 by halftime, scoring four straight in the final 9:07. After Lockwood opened the second half scoring on a man up chance assisted by Maguire, Meredith scored five of the next six goals, with UMW's Maguire tallying her second of the day with 23:55 left. Meredith led, 11-10, with a goal with 17:07 remaining, but the Eagle defense tightened, not allowing another score.

Albert scored on a man up chance with 9:35 left on a Maguire pass to tie the score, and then scored the game winner with 5:16 remaining on a Maguire feed.

The Eagles led in shots, 29-23, and ground balls, 17-13. Junior goalie Shannon Bremer made five saves in goal for the Eagles, while Maguire and Sarah Hampton each had three ground balls.  Davis scored seven draw controls and Paige Childers posted five draw controls for UMW.

Albert led the offense with five goals and two assists, while Maguire added two goals and three assists.

The Eagles will be back in action on Friday when they host Roanoke College at 3:30 p.m.