MADISON, N.J. - Senior Katiana Michalski tied a career-high with 18 saves, but the Drew University women's lacrosse team lost 18-8 to Landmark Conference (LC) foe Scranton in its home opener Wednesday afternoon in Ranger Stadium.

In a game played through a steady rain progressing into a downpour, the Royals never trailed after jumping to a 5-0 lead to start the game. They were able to maintain at least a four-goal lead the rest of the way.

Senior Lauren Cassella scored four goals to lead the Rangers offensively while junior Hailey Simmons added a pair of goals. Senior Allie DiDario recorded seven draw controls while junior Meliha Emini posted five DCs.

Jill Henson netted five goals and three assists for Scranton (2-0, 2-0 LC) while Erin Reich also tallied five goals. Lauren Devlin made nine saves for the Royals.

Michalski's 18 stops equaled her previous career-best set in a 16-12 victory at Stockton on March 15, 2019.

DiDario snapped Scranton's game-opening 5-0 when she scored off an assist from senior Charly Nolting with 18:23 left in the opening half. Cassella scored her first goal three minutes later to make it a 6-2 game, but the Royals responded with the next three goals.

Cassella struck again with 5:09 remaining in the half, and after Scranton scored the next two goals, Simmons answered with the final tally of the half and the Rangers trailed 11-4 at the intermission.

The sides played even lacrosse for most of the second half. Cassella scored twice, Simmons cashed in once, and junior Kendall Hartt scored with 12:35 left to draw the Rangers to within 14-8. However, the Royals scored the final four goals to win going away.

Drew picks up its schedule on Saturday, when it visits eighth-ranked Catholic at 3 p.m. in another Landmark Conference tilt.