NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara lacrosse team (3-2) held on for a thrilling 12-11 victory over St. Francis (Pa.) on Thursday afternoon at the Niagara Field. The win gave Niagara its most wins since the 2006 season.

Sophomore Emily Chayka (East Syracuse, N.Y.) and senior Erralyn Thomas (Ducan, B.C.) each recorded three goals, including Thomas' game winner with 3:56 remaining.

Senior netminder Whitney Gill (Canandaigua, N.Y.) made 15 saves, including three point-blank stops in the last five minutes to preserve the NU win.

With the Purple Eagles clinging to an 11-10 lead, Gill made back-to-back difficult saves to kept the lead at one. Moments later, Thomas scored off a free position to extend the lead to 12-10.

St. Francis freshman Chelsea Kent made her debut a memorable one, scoring five goals and adding three assists, including a one-timer with 3:19 left to cut the lead to 12-11. Gill would follow that shot up with a sprawling save just minutes later, and Niagara ran out the clock for their third win of the season, equaling the last two campaigns combined.

Leigh Downing (Auburn, N.Y.) added two goals in the win, while Courtney Formato (Lancaster, N.Y.) was credited with three assists.

The Purple eagles are back in action at home on Sunday at 10 a.m., playing host to Navy.