FARMVILLE, Va. – Snow, sleet, rain and even a few injuries: Longwood withstood it all to gut out a 14-12 win over George Washington in the home opener.
 
Wintry weather in Farmville threw everything at the Lancers (1-1), and so did the Colonials (0-1), but Longwood stood tall and rode seven goals from Kaitlin Luccarelli and four from Dana Joss to grind out an adversity-riddled victory Saturday afternoon at Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field.
 
The win came as shorthanded Longwood, playing without three key contributors, played the entire game without a sub, rolling with a 12-player lineup that played the entire 60 minutes. Those Lancers made the most of their opportunities, putting 21 of their 27 shots on goal and scoring seven of their 14 on their first possession after winning the draw.
 
"It was a great win for the team today, both mentally and physically," said Longwood's seventh-year head coach Elaine Jones. "We bent a few times, but we never broke. We were missing a few players who were out with injuries, so everyone really needed to step up."
 
The seven goals and nine points were both career highs for Luccarelli, a Preseason All-Big South selection and Longwood's leading returning scorer. Her last two scores put Longwood over the top, giving the Lancers a 12-11 lead with 14:38 to play and then netting another with 12:31 left that proved to be the eventual game-winner.
 
Joss also scored a handful of timely goals, including her two second-half goals that both came in response to George Washington strikes.  
 
"Dana and Kaitlin didn't score against Duquesne, so I think they came out today to play with a vengeance," Jones said. "We were in their ear all week, so to see them take that feedback and play the way they did was a testament to their mental toughness."
 
George Washington flirted with numerous comeback runs, but Longwood answered every time. After the Lancers went into halftime with an 8-6 lead, the Colonials responded with a goal from Abby Carlin just 10 seconds into the second half. However, Joss and Luccarelli responded with back-to-back goals to push Longwood's lead to three.
 
George Washington later strung together three straight goals to tie the game at 11-11 with 14:56 to play, but Luccarelli answered with back-to-back strikes – including her game-winner that came on an assist from Taylor Blenckstone – to end the rally.
 
Longwood was equally responsive on the defensive end, forcing 16 of George Washington's 24 turnovers and matching up nearly evenly in the ground ball and draw control battles. Freshman goalkeeper Danielle Burke, in her first career start, withstood 21 shots on goal and turned away eight of those, including five of the Colonials' eight free position shots.
 
After George Washington tied the game at 11-11 on Morgan McDonnell's goal, Longwood's defense held the Colonials to just two shots the rest of the way.
 
"I thought our defense also did a solid job throughout the game," Jones said. "We had great fan support, as several alumni showed up to cheer us on. Overall we're pleased with the win and really proud of our team's effort."

Luccarelli and Joss were two of Longwood's five goal scorers on the day, leading a group that also included Nicole Fordyce, Emma Johnson and Jade O'Connor, who each scored once.
 
Joss and team captain Jordan Howard also spearheaded the defensive effort, combining for five caused turnovers, 10 ground balls and seven draw controls. Freshmen Jackie Bewick and Taylor Blenckstone also got in on that effort, combining for seven ground balls and three draw controls.
 
Longwood will continue its two-game homestand next Saturday, Feb. 23, with a showdown against Commonwealth rival George Mason at 1 p.m.
 
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