Buena Vista, VA - In their first USA South matchup of the season, the Southern Virginia women's lacrosse team lost a nail biter to Piedmont University, 15-14.
In their first USA South matchup of the season, the Southern Virginia women's lacrosse team lost a nail biter to Piedmont University, 15-14.
The Lions had the early jump by scoring two goals in the opening two minutes of the first quarter. However, the Knights' Reagan Bullock and Piper Searle countered with goals in consecutive possessions to spur the Knights to six consecutive goals and a commanding lead. Piedmont would score two late goals and shrink their deficit to just two at 6-4, but that wouldn't stop the offensive onslaught from the Knights in the first half. Piper Searle would score 4 more goals in the second quarter to give her squad an 11-7 advantage leading into half-time.
The third quarter proved to be a difference maker as the Lions doubled down in their defensive efforts, leaving the Knights with no goals to show for in the quarter. The Lions would eventually extend their lead to 13-11 in the final quarter, but the Knights were resilient as Addison England and Kiah Baisden each tied the score on separate occasions in the final minutes. The final draw would be the deciding factor as the Lions took advantage of a penalty called on the Knights as they attempted to gather control of the ball. Piedmont went coast to coast and scored with 14 seconds remaining on the clock, ultimately handing the Knights their first conference loss of the season.
Southern Virginia managed to grab 43 ground balls to Piedmont's 27, while both squads were even in shots, 28, and draw controls, 16. Piper Searle added seven tallies to give her a team leading 19 goals on the season in just five games.
The Knights will look to return to the win column and continue their conference schedule by visiting William Peace next Saturday, March 23rd, at 2:00 PM in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For the most up-to-date details and information on the team, follow @knightwlax oninstagram or visit knightathletics.com for streaming options and live stats.
