FARMVILLE, Va. - Campbell sophomore midfielder Melissa Placek's seven-goal performance sparked just enough offense for the Camels to take a 16-13 Big South Conference win against the Longwood women's lacrosse team Wednesday afternoon from Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field at the Longwood Athletics Complex.

Placek got things going early for the Camels (7-6, 4-0 Big South) as she found the back of the net just over one minute into the contest for her first of five first-half tallies on the day. All five of her marks came in the Camels' first six tallies of the afternoon before adding two more in the second half.

After Placek got Campbell on the board, the dynamic duo of Kaitlin Luccarelli and Stephanie Roberts got Longwood (5-9, 1-3 Big South) on the scoreboard, and grabbed a 2-1 lead at the 25:46 mark of the opening frame. 

"I thought our team battled to the end in a very winnable game, but unfortuntaly, what hurt us was our lack of execution from all 12 players on the field for the whole 60 minutes," said fifth-year head coach Elaine Jones.

Longwood's 2-1 lead was short-lived as a quick four-goal run from the Camels ensued to reclaim a 5-2 lead, one they would hold over the final 47:35 of the conference clash.In a game that was evenly matched across most statistical categories, it was the Camels that took advantage of the opportunities cashing in on their 22 draw controls, compared to the Lancers' nine.

"We didn't win the draw today so we played the game almost always one step behind in terms of possession opportunities," Jones said. "Overall, although we ultimately came up short, it was certainly an improvement from the last two games."

Longwood controlled the ground balls category (15-10), clears (14-8) and turnovers (7-13), but were unable to overcome the 22 draw controls from the Camels – seven coming from Placek and a game-high eight from Sam Carey.

Roberts led the Lancers with four tallies and two draw controls, while Luccarelli added two goals and two draw controls. Freshman midfielder Dana Joss continued her hot streak with a hat trick and two assists, and Riley Dolan dished out three assists and tickled the twine once in the second half.

In the net, junior goalkeeper Imani West collected nine saves after facing 31 Campbell shots, and picked up a team-best six ground balls.

The Lancers were able to bring the game back to a one-goal margin on three separate occasions, but were unable to push through for a lead down the stretch.
"The team will simply have to regroup and learn from their mistakes so they can be ready for another tough conference game Saturday," Jones said.

Longwood closes their 2017 home slate with a Senior Day date with Winthrop Saturday, April 15 at Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field. Seniors Madelynn Rollins and Chelsea DiIonno will be recognized before the contest for their time spent in the blue and white. First draw is set for 2 p.m. on the Big South Network.

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