SCRANTON, Pa. – The 10th-ranked Franklin & Marshall women's lacrosse team faced another stiff challenge during the early part of the season as the Diplomats traveled to Scranton to face top-ranked and defending national champion Middlebury in a neutral site game. The Panthers more than lived up to the hype of their national ranking as they came away with a 16-2 victory.

Lauren Pittman and Myranda Beebe provided the goals for the Diplomats, while Devyn Crone added a helper during Sunday's contest. Sara DiGiovanni made eight saves through the first three quarters before Rachel Jones stopped three of the six shots she faced during the remaining 15 minutes.

Middlebury finished the contest with a 31-10 advantage in shots and 21-5 edge in shots on goal. In addition to her first quarter goal, Pittman led the team with three draw controls. Sydney Birchard and Belle Dintino tied for the team lead with three ground balls.

Women's lacrosse continues to challenge itself this week at No. 4 Salisbury. That contest will take place on Friday, March 20 in a 1 p.m. start. The Diplomats will finally have a chance to play inside Shadek Stadium when they open Centennial Conference play the next day with a 2 p.m. start versus Swarthmore.