CLINTON, S.C. – For a second straight game, Longwood's defense locked in and locked down.
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After Longwood (5-5, 2-0 Big South) took out Radford 13-8 by forcing 24 turnovers in the conference opener on Wednesday, the Lancer defense suffocated Presbyterian (2-8, 0-2 Big South) in a 15-8 win.
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The back line forced 18 turnovers, with
Rachel Abraham earning credit for three caused turnovers to go with six ground balls. Midfielder
Ainsley Rowlison added a pair of caused turnovers, and the Lancers grabbed 20 ground balls as a team to Presbyterian's 10.
"Today's win on the road was a great team effort," said Longwood head coach
Elaine Jones. "Our defenders did an outstanding job of locking in and creating turnovers, especially in the second half, while our offense executed at a high level in a very physical battle."
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Rowlison also helped lead the charge on offense as the Lancers again used a balanced attack to outshoot the Blue Hose 28-17.
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Emily Cate Smith proved to be the perfect Robin to Rowlison's Batmas, as Smith added a team-best three assists to go with two goals. But they weren't alone. Eight players scored for Longwood for a second straight game, and six players had an assist.
Claire Libby added a hat trick and a trio of ground balls, and
Haley Moomau and
Riley McDonald each had a pair of goals apiece.
"I'm really pleased that so many different scorers were able to make an impact," Jones said.
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The two sides traded goals throughout the first quarter, ending the frame tied at four apiece after Rowlison scored with 18 seconds left in the period.
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Longwood's defense clamped down in the second. Presbyterian only managed one goal while turning it over three times.
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While the Blue Hose scored the first goal of the period, Longwood's offense ripped off five straight before halftime. Libby scored back-to-back goals to give Longwood a 6-5 lead off helpers from Rowlison and Moomau, and the Lancers never trailed from that point on.
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After halftime, Longwood's defense helped keep Presbyterian at arm's length. In the fourth quarter, Longwood's defense again put on a clinic in the final 10 minutes. Presbyterian did not score, and the Lancer offense took advantage with four separate goal scorers to extend the lead to seven.
"We definitely earned the win and get to celebrate for at least the day before we get right back to work preparing for our next conference opponent!" Jones added.
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The Lancers head back to Farmville to open a two-game homestand next week. First, the Lancers host Furman on Wednesday, April 6 at 3 p.m., with the game being aired on ESPN+. The team then hosts Campbell next Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m.
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