Eagles Fall Short in Prime Matchup With Seahawks

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – The long-awaited return of women's lacrosse at Reinhardt finally came to an end on Monday afternoon, as the fifth-ranked Eagles hosted No. 3 Keiser (Fla.) in a marquee matchup between a pair of the NAIA's best.

It would be a game of runs as both clubs went back and forth on the scoreboard, but it was the Seahawks who strung together some scores late in the day to pull away from Reinhardt, 15-9, inside Ken White Field at University Stadium.

"We broke our game fast of 300-plus days on the preseason No. 3 team in the country," head coach Roy Reynolds said. "We played well, including some freshmen in their first college game. In the end, we turned the ball over too many times to win against a high-quality team.

"I'm proud of the girls just the same and expect to see Keiser again this season."

The Eagles got on the scoreboard first compliments of Caroline Copenhaver in under two minutes of action, but Keiser fought back with a pair of goals to take a 2-1 lead before Shelby O'Neil knotted up the tallies at 21:37.

Both clubs would then go on mini scoring sprees as the Seahawks netted a pair of shots to regain the advantage, but they watched as Reinhardt made three-consecutive goals – and four out of five – to remain ahead, 6-5, with 10:31 remaining in the opening half.

Keiser would get the momentum back once again with two more tallies until O'Neil evened the scoresheet another time at 7-7 with 1:41 left until the teams headed to the locker room. The scoring wouldn't be over, however, as the Seahawks caught a break with two seconds left and were rewarded a free shot – and came through – to head to halftime up, 8-7.

The visitors would use that momentum to pull away from the Eagles in the second period thanks to securing four of the first five goals (O'Neil) of the half to create a 12-8 cushion. Anna-Marie Gazzo broke up the run with a make at 11:19, but Keiser wouldn't allow another netted shot while adding three more of its own for the six-goal victory.

Defensively, the hometown team picked up 42 ground balls and forced eight turnovers, but had 18 miscues themselves.

Individually, Brook Villhauer had eight ground balls, and another three teammates grabbed five apiece.

Jessie Landers made nine saves against a tough Seahawk attack.

The team will now head back to the practice field in preparations for the Appalachian Athletic Conference opener at Truett McConnell (Ga.) on March 10 at 6 p.m. 

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Lacrosse, please click here.