FARMVILLE, Va. – A good third quarter came up a little short for Longwood women's lacrosse on Saturday afternoon against Kennesaw State.
 
The Lancers (0-2) scored five goals, but Kennesaw State (4-1) answered with five goals in the fourth quarter to spoil Longwood's home opener 15-11.
 
Claire Libby and Sophia Passa had three goals apiece for the Lancers, but Hannah Barth countered with eight points on five goals and three assists for the visitors.
 
Top Longwood Performers:
Claire Libby: 3G, 2A, 5 points, 3GB
Sophia Passa: 3G, 1A, 4 points
Emily Cate Smith: 3A
Julia Koenig: 4GB, 3DC, 3CT
Bridget Robinson: 19 SV
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
The match was tight throughout. Longwood struck first on Ariana Tucci's first collegiate goal 48 seconds in, but Kennesaw State answered with three straight for a 3-1 lead.
 
Holly Hill pulled Longwood within one with 41 seconds left in the quarter, but again, KSU answered. This time, the Owls scored four straight in the first five minutes and change of the second quarter for a 7-2 lead.
 
However, Longwood responded with three straight before the half. Passa scored twice, Libby had one goal and one assist, and Emily Cate Smith had two assists as the Lancers cut the lead to 7-5 at the break.
 
Passa then ripped home a free position goal in the third quarter to cut the KSU lead to one, but the Owls scored three goals in two minutes for a 10-6 advantage.
 
Longwood roared back, with Libby scoring two goals amid a four-goal run that tied the game at 10 all with one minute to play in the third quarter.
 
However, Kennesaw State scored the first three goals of the fourth to keep Longwood at bay.
 
Bridget Robinson was strong in goal, as the freshman piled up 19 saves.
 
WHAT THEY SAID:
 
"We kept it close and had a chance to win it in the fourth quarter," said Longwood Head Coach Kylar Ferguson. "Our youth is getting valuable experience, including Robinson with two strong starts in the goal. I am excited for the growth of this team we will get to witness this season."
 
NOTABLES:
 
Libby had her first hat trick of the season, as did Passa.
 
Holly Hill has scored in back-to-back games to start her Longwood playing career.
 
The 19 saves were a career best for Robinson in goal after she made 10 saves against Liberty.
 
Kennesaw State outshot Longwood 43-23 and outdrew the Lancers 17-7.
 
UP NEXT:
 
Longwood stays home to host Old Dominion on Wednesday, February 28. Opening draw is set for 2 p.m. at Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field.
 
#GoWood #HorsePower