ANDERSON, S.C. – Continuing their tear through the South Atlantic Conference this season, the Anderson University (8-1, 5-0 SAC) women's lacrosse team downed the Pioneers of Tusculum University (3-8, 1-4 SAC) by a score of 15-5 at Spero Financial Field on Saturday, March 16.
Sophomore Sophia Santagata (North Port, Fla.) led the team with five points on the day, tallying three goals and a pair of assists while sophomore Alicia Cannon (Tarzana, Calif.) posted four points in the contest with a pair of each. Freshman Ava Skeffington (Charlotte, N.C.) was able to turn in three points, scoring a pair of goals and chipping in an assist, while freshman Kathryn McCabe (Alpharetta, Ga.) and freshman Jillian LaBelle (Fleming Island, Fla.) each posted a pair of goals. Sophomore Ava Drath (Hudsonville, Mich.) picked up the win between the pipes, making four saves in the contest, a feat that was matched by junior Kora Turner (Myakka City, Fla.) who spent the second half of the game in goal for the Trojans.
The offense started slowly for the Black and Gold in the contest, as the team was only able to tally a trio of goals in the opening period, but was able to hold the 3-0 lead at the end of the first 15 minutes thanks to stout defensive play. The second quarter is where the Trojans found their stride as they posted seven goals in the frame, scored by seven different players. The Pioneers were able to get on the board in the second quarter as well with a pair of goals, giving Anderson the 10-2 lead heading into the break.
It was a tightly contested 3-2 advantage for the Trojans in the third quarter, as Tusculum was able to make offensive adjustments at the break that kept them in the contest into the later minutes. The slim margin also happened in the fourth quarter, with Anderson outscoring the Pioneers by a 2-1 clip in the final 15 minutes of play to secure their 15-5 win.
The Trojans now hit the road for a three-game road trip featuring a pair of conference games. However, the stretch starts with a non-conference matchup with Emmanuel on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m.
