The Longwood University women’s lacrosse team had its chance at a third National Lacrosse Conference (NLC) Tournament title spoiled by #2High Point on a 15-7 decision in the semifinal game in Davidson, North Carolina Saturday afternoon.
Senior captain Kesley Dean|Centreville, Md. (Queen Anne’s) led the Lancers again with 2 goals and 1 assist, ending her collegiate career with a team-high 19 assists and second-most goals (34).
The Lancers went 1-1 in the NLC Tournament, and this is the first time they will not play in the championship game. Longwood matched its overall record from 2010 (10-8) and finished 5-2 in conference action during the regular season.
Holding the Lancers to just two goals in the second half and producing a 12-goal first half, the Panthers held true to their #2 seed, advancing to the championship game with the win. Other than the goal differential, the game was relatively evenly matched, including better numbers from Longwood in some categories, as the Lancers took 25 shots and HPU took 22, and ground balls were 25-20, respectively. Longwood’s draw controls total was doubled by High Point, however, 16-8.
At 6:33 in the first period, Longwood pulled within three goals (7-4) via junior Jess Rudloff|West Chester, Pa. (West Chester East) after a dish from classmate Sam Stifler|Jarrettsville, Md. (North Harford), but HPU finished five more leading into halftime for a 12-5 advantage.
“We played a very hard game, we just didn’t play a very smart one,” said head coach Missy Ackerman. ”And our execution wasn’t there. We were really just outplayed by High Point, and we wish them the best of luck; they were the better team today.”
Senior captain Juli Liebig|Centreville, Md. (Queen Anne’s) played the full 60 minutes in goal with five saves.
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