ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Madison Brady recorded her third hat trick of the season as part of a furious second-half comeback effort by the Missouri Western women's lacrosse team, but it was for naught as the Griffons lost to Rockhurst University 20-14 on Friday evening at Spratt Stadium. MWSU falls to 1-2 on the season, while the Hawks move to 2-1.

The Griffons again found themselves in an early three-goal deficit, but Brady answered at 24:03 and Catherine Langmaid converted a pass from Jorja Schooler at the 21:17 mark to bring MWSU within a 3-2 margin.

Rockhurst responded with three goals in just over a minute, part of a 10-2 run, and the Hawks took a 15-6 edge into halftime.

Schooler and Langmaid combined again in the opening minute of the second half, with Schooler rocketing her third goal of the season past the Rockhurst goalkeeper at the 29:26 mark.

Karlin York got the comeback attempt started with 18:05 left, as her unassisted goal was the first of three straight for MWSU that closed the gap to 18-11. Unfortunately, time ran out on the Griffon comeback.

MWSU held a slight 33-32 edge in shots and picked up 25 ground balls to 24 for Rockhurst, but the Griffons were edged 21-16 in draw controls. Defensively, the Griffons forced 15 of Rockhurst's 23 turnovers, while allowing only 11 forced turnovers of 18.

In addition to Brady's hat trick, Langmaid was one of four Griffons (York, Madison Iandoli and Jordan Shugrue) with two goals, with Schooler, Olivia Futrell and Abby Lockwood each adding one.

Missouri Western returns to Spratt Stadium on Sunday, March 14 to host Maryville University. Opening draw is set for 4 p.m.