Saint Leo University Prevails Over Southern Connecticut Women’s Lacrosse

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Southern Connecticut women’s lacrosse team faced a challenging match against the #6 ranked Saint Leo University, falling to the Lions in a non-conference encounter on Tuesday night with a final score of 14-8. This defeat brings the Owls’ overall record to 4-2, while Saint Leo improves to 9-1.

A significant highlight for the Owls was senior Amelia Mansfield achieving her 100th career draw control, making her the ninth player in the program’s history to reach this milestone. Mansfield led her team with an impressive four draw controls and provided an assist during the game.

Team Performance Highlights

Allie Welder emerged as the top scorer for the Owls with two goals, contributing to the team’s overall effort. Six other players, including Macy Vail, Jordan Fisher, Anna Meserve, Taryn Ugrin, Bailey McDermott, and Allie Palmer, each found the back of the net, showcasing the team’s offensive capabilities.

In goal, Caelan Connors demonstrated resilience with nine saves and recorded a team-high three ground balls. Meserve also shone defensively, leading the Owls with two caused turnovers while contributing two ground balls against the formidable Lions.

Game Breakdown

The first quarter set the tone for a competitive game. Allie Palmer scored the Owls’ first goal from a free position, taking an early lead at 1-0. However, the Lions quickly responded to level the score at 1-1. In the second quarter, Macy Vail’s quick goal put the Owls ahead again at 2-1, but the Lions swiftly equalized and then surged ahead, taking a 4-2 lead with back-to-back goals. Anna Meserve’s effort brought the score to 4-3, but Saint Leo pulled away with four unanswered goals, leaving the halftime score at 8-3 in their favor.

Continuing into the third quarter, the Lions added another goal early. However, Welder’s goal from a free position sparked hope for a comeback for the Owls. Despite Saint Leo extending their lead to 10-4, the Owls stayed determined, with Taryn Ugrin scoring to bring the tally to 12-5. Mansfield also reached her milestone by winning her 100th draw control during this period.

The fourth quarter saw a shift in momentum as Welder netted her second goal, cutting the deficit to 12-6. Mansfield continued to shine, winning her third draw control and assisting Bailey McDermott’s goal to make it 12-7. Despite this fightback, Saint Leo scored their 13th and 14th goals, extending their lead once again. Jordan Fisher added a late goal for the Owls, finalizing the score at 14-8.

Upcoming Challenges

Southern Connecticut’s next challenge will take place against Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, on Wednesday, March 19, at 5:00 PM, marking their final game in Florida.