ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Capital University women's lacrosse team was forced to battle the elements and the top-seeded Purple Raiders of the University of Union on Saturday night. After play resumed following multiple delays, the Crusaders dropped a 10-6 decision in the OAC Women's Lacrosse Tournament championship game, tabbing them runners-up for the 2016 season.

Mount Union (15-3) used a combination of stifling defense and possession offense over the course of the game to disrupt Capital's offensive flow. Though the shot count remained close by game's end, quality chances resided with the Purple Raiders.

Capital (12-5) surrendered three straight goals to open the game, one on a man-up opportunity. However, Capital answered back with back-to-back goals to trim the lead to a single tally before the first of two delays. With storms rolling through the area, lightning was detected and suspended play for over one hour.

The Purple Raiders immediately scored out of the gate following the stoppage, but again, Capital roared back when senior Kim Hoerauf (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) scored on a free position shot with 10:25 on the clock. Sophomore Regan Hanood (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North) connected with Kara Hines (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) to tie the game up nearly five minutes later. However, the advantage went back to Mount Union right before a second weather delay with 1:58 to go in the first half.

With play twice suspended, the decision to forgo halftime was made, so at the turn of the half both teams switches sides and continued with the score 5-4 in favor of Mount Union. Kolbie Haines scored less than four minutes into the second, marking the start of a 3-0 run by the hosts.

With 21 minutes and change to go, freshman Makenna Ozenghar made it a three-goal game after converting a free position shot, keeping hope alive for Capital. However, turnovers and Mount Union's ability to keep control of the ball helped dash those hopes of a comeback. Two consecutive goals by the Purple Raiders within the final five minutes built their lead to five goals, enough to help them ride to their third straight OAC Tournament Championship.

Each of Capital's six goals was scored by a different Crusader, though Hanood was the lone player to record multiple points. She added an assist on Kara Hines' first-half goal. Hines also added two ground balls and three draw controls. Junior goalkeeper Maddie Wilson (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) made nine saves in the match. Senior Julie Duren (Union, Ohio) led the defense with three caused turnovers and two ground balls.

While Mount Union joins the pool of 27 automatic qualifiers, Capital may still be in play for one of nine at-large bids looming for the upcoming NCAA Division III national tournament. The Division III selection show will announce the entire 40-team field on Sunday, May 8 at 9:30 p.m. and air on NCAA.com. Should Capital, currently ranked sixth in the Mid-South Region, be selected the first games would be played May 14-15 at campus sites.