ROCK HILL, S.C. – Led by the new record-holder for single-season points in the Big South Nicole Beatson, third-seeded and Big South power Winthrop downed the Longwood women's lacrosse team 22-6 Saturday in Big South quarterfinals action.
Beatson, who scored seven goals and added an assist for eight total points, carried a quick-strike attack for the home Eagles outdueling a four-goal day from Longwood (7-11) senior midfielder
Madison Stair and two-assist performances from NCAA-leader
Riley Dolan and
Dana Joss.
Despite winning the battle for draws 17-13 and a perfect 11-for-11 on clears, it was quick strikes and efficient passing that led the Eagles past the sixth-seeded Lancers.
Saturday's loss ended the Lancers' season as seniors Dolan, Stair,
Charleigh Kondas,
Brianna Kelly,
Andie deCelis,
Imani West and
Hollyn Royster played their final games donning the Lancer blue and white.
"Unfortunately, we ran into a tough Winthrop team who took advantage of our turnovers and converted them into goals," said sixth-year head coach
Elaine Jones. "Our offense wasn't able to generate enough quality shots, which meant our defense had to hold for too many defensive stands. It's tough to beat a good team when you can't match them goal-for-goal or get ahead of them."
Dolan, who leads the nation in assists and ends her time in a Lancer uniform as the single-season record holder with 63, opened the scoring Saturday with her lone goal of the day on
Molly Barkman's assist at the 28:34 mark of the first half.
Dolan ended the day with three points on two assists and a goal while collecting two ground balls.
Longwood led 2-1 after Stair's first tally on
Lexi Davis' lone assist at the 26:18 mark, but it was the tandem of Beatson and Kristen Shriver who combined for 16 points to push the Eagles into the semifinals.
Stair's four points led the Lancers offensively as she sent all five shots on goal.
"I think
Molly Barkman was a workhorse on the draw, with the help of
Dana Joss and
Kaitlin Luccarelli," Jones said. "I was also thrilled to see
Madison Stair return after missing over a month due to injury. She showed no fear or rust and I'm glad she had the opportunity to play."
In the net, West collected seven saves and two ground balls as she ends her career with 451 career stops – the second-most in program history. Her 182 saves in 2018 were a career-best for the All-Big South second team performer and the third-most in a single season.
Joss, who was named All-Academic, led the Lancers with five ground balls and two caused turnovers while collecting three points on a goal and two assists.
For Winthrop, goalkeeper Alaina Girani saved seven Lancer shots while gathering five ground balls and causing three turnovers.
Beatson's seven goals carried the offense as Shriver dished out six assists and the duo of McKenna Blick and Bianca Tedesco added a combined nine points on six goals and three assists.
"This loss ends our season, but we wouldn't have even been here without the leadership of our seniors," Jones said. "Their commitment has been there from day one so it is hard to see their season end. They helped create a great foundation and more than missing their roles on the field, I will miss their smiles, laughs, and love the selflessly gave to the program this year."
Jones added, "I know they will move on to do great things and we all wish them the best in their futures."
Winthrop (13-5) moves on to semifinals action May 4 as they take on second-seeded Liberty from High Point University.
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