Buena Vista, VA - The Southern Virginia University Women's Lacrosse team hosted the Randolph College Wildcats Wednesday evening. With a chip on their shoulders from a recent loss, the Knights went into the game looking to make a statement. The result, a decisive victory, with the Knights ending on top by a score of 16-0.
The first quarter saw Southern Virginia put together a dominant performance, showcasing the young talent that the team brings to the field. Capitalizing on free position opportunities, sophomore Kenzie Poulsen would score the first goal followed by Ellie Patterson. Demonstrating their ability to collect draw controls, the Knights were able to capture every single one in the first quarter.
With large contributions on the draws from Patterson and Makenzie Mickelsen, the Knights kept the ball away from the Wildcats, not allowing them a single offensive opportunity. They also peppered the goal with shots which turned into plenty of scoring. Poulsen, Patterson, and Mickelsen were able to combine for seven goals in the first quarter.
The second period turned into a shootout for Southern Virginia as three Knights found the back of the net for the first time this season, including freshmen Mia Richards and Paysen Grandy. Mariela Perez also scored and showcased her ability to play both sides of the ball, forcing Randolph into multiple turnovers and scooping up several ground balls. Large defensive contributions from Reagan Bullock helped keep the ball away from Randolph. She forced four turnovers and grabbed four balls as well. The half ended with the Knights leading 11-0.
Southern Virginia continued to rain shots at the beginning of the second half. Randolph goalkeeper Mireya Norville did what she could, making six of her twelve saves in the third quarter alone. However, the Knights slipped two more behind her thanks to Reagan Bullock and Kenzie Poulsen. Yazmin Manjarrez scored her first career goal just thirty seconds into the final frame. Ellie Patterson would follow to bring her goal count to four.
Patterson ended the night with four goals, seven shots, and led the team with five ground balls and four caused turnovers while not committing any turnovers. Mia Richards closed out the scoring late in the fourth with her second of the evening. With the game put away, the Knights played a keep away, ending the night with a 16-0 victory. Due to a stingy Knights defense, the Wildcats were able to register just once with Savanna Burnett saving the lone shot. The Knights were able to pressure Randolph into 35 turnovers, while causing 23 of them.
The Knights will look to build off the big win when they travel to Baltimore to play Goucher College. The game is set for Saturday, March 1st at 4:00 PM. For the most up to date information and details on the team, follow @knightwlax on Instagram or visit knightathletics.com.
