FARMVILLE, Va. – Big South power and No. 18 nationally-ranked High Point saw multi-goal performances from six players, led by four from Ashley Britton, to down the Longwood women's lacrosse team 22-2 Saturday, spoiling Senior Day.
Longwood (7-10, 2-5 Big South) got on the board first at the 25:21 mark of the first half after holding off a quick wave from the Panthers, but High Point (14-2, 7-0 Big South) rebounded for six-straight on their way to a regular season-ending win.
"The game definitely got away from us today," said sixth-year head coach
Elaine Jones, who has led the Lancers to a Big South quarterfinals appearance in each of her first six seasons. "High Point is a very athletic and skilled team who was able to capitalize on our mistakes due to their pressure."
Playing in their last home games donning the Lancer blue and white were seniors
Madison Stair,
Charleigh Kondas,
Riley Dolan,
Andie deCelis,
Hollyn Royster,
Brianna Kelly and
Imani West.
"While it's always tough to lose on Senior Day and you want the seniors to go out with a win, it doesn't diminish or take away at all from the numerous accomplishments and contributions our seniors have made this year and during the their time at Longwood," Jones said. "I'm proud of their effort, dedication and commitment to the program, and I love the growth they've made as student-athletes both on and off the field."
Jones added, "I'd also like to give a shout out to
Imani West's father for performing an awesome rendition of the National Anthem and a special thank you to all the other senior parents who have supported their daughters and the team for four years."
Dolan, who set the program record for assists in a single season and leads the NCAA in that category, added two more giving her 61 helpers on the year. Dolan's two points led the Lancers offensively as she found Luccarelli and
Lexi Davis for first-half goals in the loss.
For the Panthers, Britton's four tallies led the Big South's leading attack while Brooke Stevens, Samantha Herman and Nicole Pugh all collected hat tricks and the duo of Maggie Williams and Kaely Kyle each scored a pair.
In the net, West collected 14 saves and four ground balls as she wraps up the regular season as the program leader for single-season ground balls with 65 as a senior. Her 175 saves entering the Big South tournament are fourth-most in a single season and her 444 career stops are third-most in program history.
"I thought our defense worked hard all game long, especially
Imani West,
Hollyn Royster,
Corri Calandra,
Olivia Zubillaga,
Andie deCelis and
Brianna Kelly, but our offense needed to move a lot more and generate more scoring opportunities," Jones said.
Jones added, "I was thrilled to start
Madison Stair today, as she's been out the last few weeks, but we weren't able to play her for the whole game. She is a huge part of our attack and we certainly haven't been the same without her."
Dolan, meanwhile, tied former great and assistant coach
Sarah Butler for second-most points in a single season with 87 on her 61 assists and 26 goals.
Longwood will have a week off to prepare for the Big South quarterfinals as they make their sixth tournament appearance in as many seasons. The Lancers, the No. 6 seed in the 2018 tournament, head to No. 3 seed Winthrop Saturday April 28 for a rematch of the Big South-opening contest.
First draw between the Lancers and Eagles is set for 1 p.m. on the Big South Network.
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