HICKORY, N.C. - For the first time since 2019, the Lenoir-Rhyne women's lacrosse team is heading to the South Atlantic Conference championship game. Behind an incredible performance in goal from
Sally Friesen, the Bears defeated Anderson 8-5 to book their trip to the 'ship.
Three of Friesen's 11 saves were on free position shots, with two being late in the third quarter.
Kirra Olson led the Bears with two goals, while
Abbey Walker tallied two assists.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: (2) Lenoir-Rhyne 8, (3) Anderson 5
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (11-6), (RV) Anderson (12-7)
Location: Hickory, N.C. | Moretz Stadium
STORY OF THE GAME:
- Lenoir-Rhyne jumped out to a 3-1 lead after one thanks to scores from Jessica Mikesell, Savannah Stallings, and Kirra Olson.
- Anderson cut the lead to 4-2 in the second but freshman Jillian Daley scored late in the first half to put LR up 5-2 at the break.
- The Trojans came out firing in the second half, scoring the first three goals to tie the game at 5-5.
- Anderson looked like they would go up 6-5 on a free position shot, but Sally Friesen came up with a huge save to preserve the tie.
- Less than a minute later Hailey Larsen scored a goal to put the Bears back ahead.
- Lenoir-Rhyne held Anderson scoreless for the final 23:45 of game time.
- Hannah Thomas capped off the win with a solo goal with 2:12 left.
STATS OF THE GAME:
- Lenoir-Rhyne held a 27-24 lead in shots and the teams were tied 12-12 in shots-on-goal.
- There were 41 combined turnovers in this contest.
- Lenoir-Rhyne held a 10-4 advantage in draw controls.
- Delaney Williams caused three turnovers.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
- This will be Lenoir-Rhyne's third SAC Championship game appearance (2018, 2019).
- This is the second consecutive year Lenoir-Rhyne has reached the 11-win mark.
- The Bears were ranked #7 in this week's Atlantic Region Poll. The top six teams reach the NCAA Tournament.
- Friesen's 11 saves are tied for her second most all season.
NEXT UP: Lenoir-Rhyne will travel to the Matthews Sportsplex in Matthews, N.C., on Saturday for their SAC Championship matchup with the top seeded Wingate Bulldogs. Wingate booked their trip to the championship with a convincing 22-7 win over Newberry. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
