University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
4-7, 2-6
Clemson
8-4, 4-3
Pitt Drops Tight Battle to Tigers
3/21/2026 4:15:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH - No. 24 Pitt women's lacrosse fell to No. 9 Clemson 11-10 Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Tigers jumped out to a 6-2 lead after the first quarter, scoring six of the game's first eight goals. Kaitlyn Giandonato and Paige Telatovich each found the back of the net late in the period to keep Pitt within striking distance.
The Panthers cut the deficit to one in the second, with Giandonato netting two more — including a man-up goal off a Riley Ebersole assist — and Maureen McNierney adding an unassisted tally to pull Pitt within 6-5. Clemson responded to take a 7-5 lead to the break.
Pitt took its first lead of the game in the third quarter. Anna Capobres and Telatovich scored in the opening minutes to tie the game at seven, and Emily Clemens put the Panthers ahead 8-7 with 5:41 remaining in the period. Clemson answered on a man-up opportunity to level the score heading to the fourth.
Telatovich's third goal of the afternoon put Pitt back in front 9-8 just 14 seconds into the final frame, but the Tigers scored twice in quick succession to take a 10-9 advantage, then added a third goal of the quarter at 7:16 to extend the lead to 11-9 and leave the Panthers with too much ground to make up. Giandonato pulled one back at 1:49, but Pitt could not complete the comeback.
Giandonato finished with four goals and Telatovich had three, with Gigi Leonzi dishing five assists. Molly Cain made eight saves in net.
GAME NOTES
- Giandonato's four goals give her 24 on the season and move her career total to 62, fourth all-time in program history.
- Telatovich's three goals give her 20 on the season. She and Giandonato are tied for third in the ACC in goals per game.
- Leonzi's five assists are a career high and tie the Pitt single-game record.
- Pitt won the draw battle 11-10 and outscored Clemson 8-5 over the middle two quarters.
- The Panthers trailed 6-2 after one and outscored the Tigers 8-5 the rest of the way.
UP NEXT
Pitt returns to Highmark Stadium Tuesday to host Youngstown State. First draw is set for 4 p.m. Admission is free for all fans.
For all things Pitt Lacrosse, follow the team on Instagram and X, @Pitt_WLAX.
