EDINBORO, Pa. – Sophie DePalma could be seen pacing behind the home locker room prior to the contest, and that energy translated to three goals in the Fighting Scots season opener.

The Edinboro lacrosse team has seen a coaching change and numerous obstacles standing between them and their season in the 2021 calendar year.

Jalen Middlebrooks was animated in pre-game warmups as she warmed up goalies prior to her collegiate head coaching debut.

Edinboro pulled within three goals at the 1:08 mark in the first half, as DePalma completed the first half hat trick.

DePalma's first goal of the game came off a Caitlyn Watson assist, with unassisted goals coming from Angelina Anderson, Maddie Mulcahy and Kandyce Graham.

Team captain Gionna Alessandro scored the final goal of the contest for the Fighting Scots with 1:44 remaining in regulation.

Christina Clutter saved 11 shots in over 46 minutes.

Ultimately, Slippery Rock prevailed 19-7 paced by Molly Buettner's four-game performance.

For Edinboro, the fact that taking the field was a victory could be seen on the faces of players and coaches. Though in the post game huddle, Middlebrooks was all business.