HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The inaugural season of Flagler College women's lacrosse team concluded Sunday afternoon at the Gulf South Conference Tournament Finals, losing to the host of this weekend's championship, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, 15-12, at Charger Park.
Flagler concludes year one as the GSC runner-up with an 11-8 record while UAH will enter the regional tournament with a 11-6 record.
The two teams traded goals for the first quarter, ending it knotted up a four apiece. Towards the end of the first half, UAH made its move. The Chargers scored seven of the next eight goals, which extended into the third quarter, giving the host a13-6 lead with just under 1:30 left in the third quarter.
Flagler still had some fight in them, and didn't go quietly into the night. Flagler cut the lead to three (10-13), with a trio of goals to open the final 15 minutes off the sticks of
Kate Piscopo,
Madison Daziel and
Zoe Howe. The Chargers killed the Saints building momentum by getting a pair of goals from Cara Brown and Isadora Springer.
Katelyn Trainor netted two goals at the end of the game.
It was a balanced offensive attack from the Saints, Trainor,
Jordan Green and
Kaitlyn Bush recorded two goals apiece.
Sophia DeSimone,
Kenzie Dillon and
Sydney Onega all contributed as well.
Defensively, five different Saints forced Charger turnovers, with Trainor,
Kaelyn Figueras,
Eva Stine, Dillon and
Amanda Fernandez all causing a change of possession. Figueras added three ground balls while Fernandez scooped up a game-high seven draw controls.
Lauren Ribadeneira finished the contest with 13 saves, giving her 33 in the two tournament games.
Three Saints earned All-Tournament honors, Trainor,
Carly LaFerriere and Ribadeneira were all recognized for their postseason performances.
The young program will look to build on its success next year in the 2023 spring season.
