Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Buena Vista, Va - Looking to build off of their big victory over Greensboro on Tuesday, the Southern Virginia Women's Lacrosse team welcomed two opponents on consecutive days to Knights Stadium. They faced the Centre College Colonels on Friday for their final non-conference matchup of the season, and the North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops on Saturday for a conference showdown. Both matchups featured a heavy dose of offense with the Knights falling just short against the Colonels, 18-16, but quickly recovered to defeat NC Wesleyan by a score of 20-3.

Game 1: VS Centre College

The Knights boasted plenty of offensive confidence after their 18 goal outburst in their most recent matchup against Greensboro, but it was their defense that shined in the early stages against Centre. The Colonels arrived in Buena Vista with statistically the 3rd best offense in the country for Division lll at just over 17 goals per game. However, Southern Virginia showed no fear and held the Colonels scoreless through the first eleven minutes of the first quarter. Addison England scored the ice breaker just four minutes in and Kiah Baisden tagged on two more before both teams found themselves knotted at three goals apiece at the end of the first frame.

In the second quarter, it was all Knights. Kiah Baisden and Piper Searle combined for three consecutive goals to a 6-3 advantage and put their team in control. Depth scoring arrived on the scene when Reagan Bullock and McKayla Martin each scored to help the Knights stretch their lead to a game high of 5 goals. Southern Virginia defenders were superb in locking down the Colonels best attackers, holding their top four leading scorers to a combined 3 goals in the first half and a 10-6 Knights advantage. Addison England and Roxy Lebaron led the way defensively with 2 caused turnovers each.

After a slow start to each of the first two quarters, Centre began to find their rhythm on the attack and scored in the opening minute. Baisden would counter with her 6th of the game, but was shaken up on the play and would have to leave for a brief time. The Colonels took advantage of her absence and controlled consecutive draws that led to three quick goals as well as a shift in momentum.

Goalkeeper Mary Haley of the Colonels also stepped up her play in the second half, only conceding six goals. She provided her team a lift as they rattled off five straight goals from the end of the third quarter to early in the fourth to take their first lead of the day. Kenzie Poulsen gave her team a chance in the final minute, scoring her 2nd of the day, but it wouldn't be enough as Centre College completed the rally for their tenth victory on the season. 

Southern Virginia played a clean game from penalties for the most part and took advantage of their free position opportunities, scoring on three of their four attempts. The Knight also held the edge in draw controls again, with 16 compared to the Colonels 10.

Game 2: VS NC Wesleyan

The Knights had a quick turn around before facing the Battling Bishops with a game time of just 24 hours after their matchup with Centre College. However, the team was more than up to the task and controlled play from the beginning.

Hannah Bangerter put the exclamation point on a first quarter that saw the Knights score seven goals while conceding none. They wouldn't slow down much more in the second quarter and opened the scoring again thanks to Kiah Baisden who is now knocking on the door of 40 goals this season. The Bishops found life a few minutes later when Alaska Evans potted their first of the game. Southern would extend their lead to as much as 11 goals by the end of the first half. It was a dominant display of offense once again as they were led by Piper Searle who finished the day with 4 goals and 7 points.

The pace tailed off in the second half with the Knights content to bleed the clock and preserve their multi goal lead. Kenzie Poulsen registered her second consecutive two goal game and Reagan Bullock shined again with 4 goals. Those two led a group of eight Southern Virginia scorers who recorded at least 3 points in the win, a testament to the growth of their squad as they roll deeper into the regular season. 

The Knights dominated in almost every statistical category, particularly in shots where they held a 31-5 edge as well as caused turnovers with 7 compared to the Battling Bishops 2. Ahead on the schedule for the Knights is a quartet of conference opponents, with each matchup holding great significance for seeding ahead of the anticipated USA South Tournament. The first of those opponents will be Methodist University on Saturday, April 13th at 12:00 PM in Fayetteville.

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.