Buena Vista, VA - In a midday matchup at Knight Stadium, Southern Virginia University women's lacrosse team welcomed non-conference foe, Marymount, for their home opener. The Knights, fresh off their first victory of the season at Eastern Mennonite, looked to win two straight games in their first week of play. However, Marymount, who had won earlier in the week as well, carried that momentum into Buena Vista to hand the Knights a 19-3 defeat.
Things started off promising in the opening minute as sophomore Kenzie Poulsen struck first after receiving a pass from Reagan Bullock. However, Marymount quickly took control of the first half. Southern Virginia only managed seven shots towards the goal, while their opponents would fire away for 19 shots, finding the back of the net on 12 of them. The Knights did have the edge in draw controls with Makenzie Mickelsen grabbing three and committed less turnovers than their opponents.
The third quarter was all Marymount. They won every draw control and produced several lengthy possessions to tire out the defense. With attackers peppering the goal, freshman keeper Savanna Burnett stood strong, denying several shots thrown her way. The team eventually came to her aid and had a much better fourth quarter. Led by veteran Ellie Patterson, the Knights tallied six ground balls and outscored the Saints 2-1 in the final frame. Kenzie Poulsen tallied her second of the game and Makenzie Mickelsen added another.
The Knights were heavily outshot, courtesy of a dominant effort on draw controls from the Saints who also converted on nearly every clearing attempt of the chances. Poulsen and Mickelsen have combined for 11 goals through the first two games, proving to be a force on the attacking end. The teams were level in ground balls and Savanna Burnett secured seven saves in second career game for the Knights.
Looking forward, the Knights will host Randolph College at home on Wednesday, February 26th, at 5:00 PM.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, follow @knightwlax on Instagram or visit knightathletics.com.
