TAMPA, Fla. –
Ella Pinder and
Lexie Morton each scored five goals but it was not enough as No. 6 (IWLCA Division II Top 25) Florida Southern College edged No. 10 Flagler College 19-15 in the first round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament Friday afternoon at the Naimoli Family Athletic Complex.
Florida Southern (17-3) advances to face No. 2 the University of Tampa at noon in a national quarterfinal game. Flagler's season ends with a 17-2 record in just its second year of existence and first berth to the NCAA Tournament. The Saints also won the Gulf South Conference regular season and post-season tournament titles while also achieving the program's first national ranking.
After a Pinder goal knotted the score at 10-all with 8:47 left to go in the third quarter, the Moccasins rattled off three-straight goals. Hailey Daleo's goal broke the tie with 7:56 left in the quarter and Florida Southern never trailed the rest of the way. She finished with a team-high five goals.
Pinder's fourth goal of the game got Flagler back to within one, 14-13, with 12:24 left to go in the game. But Giana Murphy netted back-to-back goals for insurance for the Mocs.
Pinder led the Saints with 11 draw controls and Carly LaFarriere collected four ground balls.
Lauren Ribadeneira tallied seven saves.
Jackie Stoller and Murphy each scored four goals for Florida Southern. Abby McFerren won eight draw controls. Rylie Rittberg tallied 12 saves and helped limit the Saints to six goals in the second half.
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