KENT, Ohio – A heroic effort from keeper Lauren Bernard produced a career-high 18 saves, but Longwood was unable to capitalize as the Lancers fell 1-0 to Kent State Sunday afternoon.

Bernard faced a barrage of 29 shots, including 20 on goal from the Golden Flashes. The sophomore goalie met the task stopping 18 of those shots and got help in the form of a defensive save from Kate Harvey to limit Kent State to a single goal.

The incredible performance by Bernard topped her previous career-high of 11 saves against Liberty earlier this season. The 18 save day is the third-best single game performance by any goalie in the NCAA this season. Unfortunately for Longwood and Bernard, the Lancers just couldn't find an equalizer.

Kent State pushed ahead in the 25th minute on a goal from Hannah Faulkner on the Golden Flashes' third shot of the game. Kent State would place another trio of shots on cage before the break, but Bernard had found her form. At the break, Bernard had a respectable five saves and little idea of what was coming in the second half.

The Golden Flashes sent a remarkable 14 shots on frame in the second half; Bernard stopped 13 of those and defender Kate Harvey cleaned up the other to keep Longwood in the game. Longwood squeezed out a couple of late chances, but both Jessica Diaz and Lindsey Lysher were turned away, preserving the victory for Kent State.

"We fought very hard today and showed a lot of determination," said head coach Iain Byers. "Lauren was fantastic in goal and came up big, time and time again. Now we have to get ready for Appalachian State and try to end the season with a win."

Longwood (6-11, 2-4) has officially been eliminated from the MAC Championships and the Lancers will wrap up their season Friday, Oct. 31 at Appalachian State. Tip-off with the old NorPac foe is set for 3 p.m. in Boone, N.C.