Hempstead, NY - Kerry Walser had three goals and an assist to lead a spirited Pride rally, but the Hofstra women's lacrosse team fell just short in a 9-8 loss to #20 Southern California on Sunday afternoon at James M. Shuart Stadium. 

Luchianna Cardello had her second straight solid outing this week with 13 saves in net for the Pride.

Hofstra fell to 3-5 with the loss, while USC improved to 5-2. 

An early deficit didn't deter Hofstra as the Pride fell behind 3-0 after one quarter of play. Walser would finally get Hofstra on the board at the 11:16 mark of the second stanza with a free-position goal. The Trojans tacked on three more goals to open what looked to be a commanding 6-1 advantage late in the second quarter. Looking for the momentum heading into halftime, the Pride literally scored at the buzzer as Katie Kelly scored off a feed from Emily Weigand as the second quarter clock expired to make it a four-goal game at the break. 

The momentum clearly swung in the Pride's favor as Lauren Coletti and Jackie Gatti opened the third quarter with goals to make it 6-4 at the 10:55 mark. After Walser scored her second of the game to open the fourth quarter, the visitors scored twice to take a 9-5 lead with 11:29 left in regulation. 

Hofstra would have one final run in them, though, as Rachel Graff started the spurt and Taylor Mennella and Walser added goals in the final 3:04 to close the gap to 9-8. The Pride looked to have one more chance in the closing minute but were unable to get a shot off before the clock expired. 

Coletti and Mennella each had a goal and an assist in the game for Hofstra, while Trinity Reed posted two ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers. Walser led Hofstra with three draw controls. 

Maggie Brown led USC with three goals, while Claudia Shevitz and Maddie Dora each tallied two. 

Hofstra returns to action next Saturday when it opens Colonial Athletic Association play at William & Mary. Opening draw control is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will air on FloLive. 

NOTES
- Today was the third meeting between Hofstra and USC with the Trojans taking all three encounters. The two most recent games were both 9-8 final scores. 
- Walser's hat trick was her second this season and fifth of her career. 
- The game was Hofstra's third this season against a ranked opponent (#25 Vanderbilt, #16 Army West Point, and #20 USC).