Raleigh, NC - The Southern Virginia women's lacrosse team turned the page on their last minute defeat last week by ousting the Pacers of William Peace, 19-0, to record their first conference victory of 2024.
The Knights were determined to end their two game losing streak and it showed right from the start. Kiah Baisden, who already had 15 goals to her name this season, was on a mission as she helped the Knights convert on two of their first three shots. Baisden scored the first before setting up Hannah Bangerter to get the Knights off and running. The Knights would continue filling the net in the first quarter to the tune of six more goals and a commanding 8-0 lead. Piper Searle of the Knights continued to show why she's one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the conference by scoring 3 goals in the first half.
The onslaught wouldn't slow much throughout the rest of the afternoon. In total, 11 Knights found twine on a day where the team would record a season high in goals. By halftime, the advantage grew to 13-0, largely due to the 27 shots that the Pacers goalkeeper Aryal Brandon encountered. Brandon would make 17 saves in total, but it wasn't enough to keep the game within reach. The field remained tilted towards the Pacers defensive end during the second half, led by Addison England who scored two goals in the fourth quarter and goalkeeper Madison Sorensen who kept the door shut to hold the Pacers scoreless at the final whistle.
By dominating in possession, Southern Virginia was able to put together a sound defensive game, only surrendering one shot on goal. This helped Sorenson achieve her first career shutout, as well as the teams' first on the season. Roxy Lebaron, the reliable senior midfielder and a consistent figure in the Knights' starting lineup for a number of years, recorded her first two goals of the season.
The team will look to keep the ball rolling in their next matchup against Bridgewater at Knights stadium. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th at 5:00 PM, the game will serve as an opportunity for the Knights to win consecutive games for the first time this season. It also serves as a tune-up for perhaps their most anticipated regular season matchup, a showdown with defending USA South champions Meredith College on March 30th in Raleigh.
For the most up-to-date details and information on the team, follow @knightwlax on instagram or visit knightathletics.com for streaming options and live stats.
