CLINTON, S.C. – In the 2019 Big South opener, Longwood created the most opportunities but Presbyterian made the most of the one that counted to upend the Lancers 2-1 in overtime Saturday afternoon at Martin Stadium.
Longwood (2-5, 0-1 Big South) dominated the possession battle and generated a season-high 22 shots and 10 shots on goal, but Blue Hose goalkeeper Megan Serrano stood tall against that onslaught to set the stage for forward Emily Laboon's golden goal just over eight minutes into overtime.
"That's a very disappointing result considering how the game unfolded," said Longwood head coach
Todd Dyer. "But honestly we only have ourselves to blame.
"Creating chances is not a problem for us right now, but finishing those chances remains a challenge. We made a mess of both goals conceded off 50-50s and missed clearances so we have plenty to clean up on that end as well."
Longwood put double-digit shots on goal for the first time all season, but Serrano put together a heroic effort with nine saves. She bounced back from Longwood senior
Emilie Kupsov's eighth-minute go-ahead goal to blank the Lancers the rest of the way. Kupsov's goal came on Longwood's first shot of the game, but Serrano stopped the nine on-target attempts that followed, including three in the final 15 minutes of regulation and another in overtime.
With Serrano stonewalling Longwood, Presbyterian (2-6, 1-0 Big South) tied the game on Morgan Hutchinson's equalizer in the 24th minute and held off Longwood's ensuing attack over the final 66 minutes of regulation.
The Lancers created numerous chances to break open the deadlock, including freshman
Kiersten Yuhas' shot that pinged off the crossbar just three minutes after Hutchinson's goal.
Longwood freshman
Mary Kate Levush dueled Serrano and picked up four saves but could not make up for a botched clear from Longwood's backline that set up Laboon's game-winner.
The loss marks only Longwood's third loss in eight Big South openers and the first since High Point edged the Lancers 1-0 in 2017. The Lancers responded to that defeat by winning seven of their next nine games en route to reaching the Big South Championship game for the first time in program history.
Longwood's next opportunity for a bounceback will come this Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Hampton.
#GoWood
