RU Women’s Lacrosse Falls Short in Overtime Thriller VS Cumberlands

Waleska, GA – The NAIA No. 2 ranked Eagles lacrosse team was set to play No. 5 Cumberlands University on Wednesday afternoon. This match-up was a big one as both teams were headed into this game undefeated in conference play. This game turned out to be an all-out brawl, where the Cumberland Patriots ultimately edges Reinhardt in overtime 17-16. Although Reinhardt was able to get the ball through the net for the first point of the game, Cumberlands went up 10-4 for a 6-goal lead over the Eagles. The Eagles was able to score 5-straight goals in the second period to only be down 10-9 heading into halftime. The Patriots came out explosive in the second-half, making the score 15-11 with just 10 minutes left to play in fourth-quarter. The Eagles, however, continued to fight back to close the score-spread just 16-15 heading into the last minute of the game. Cumberland had the ball and Mia Griswold forced the Patriots to a turnover to send the ball to Defender, Ashley Steele. Steele then found Shelby O'Neil in front of the net, who had an incredible shot and goal to tie the game 16-16 and force the game into overtime. Unfortunately, Cumberlands secured the opening draw control and score 30 seconds in to clench this competitive 17-16 win over the Eagles. Also, congratulations to senior, Jillian Mello, for scoring her 100^th career goal in this nail-biting game. Reinhardt is now sitting with an AAC record of 4-1 and are 8-4 overall. 

 Outstanding Performers:

• Jillian Mello had 5 goals to score her 100^th career goal.
• Mia Griswold played an all-around great game with 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 draw controls, and picked up 9 groundballs.
• Reinhardt had 4 different players in Adriana Talkington, Macy Fulton, Ashley Steele, and Shelby O'Neil, who each forced the Patriots to 2 turnovers each. 
• Madison Hasty had 11 total saves. 

 Team Comparison:

Goals: 17-16 CU

Shots: 44-34 RU

Shots on Goals: 33-28 RU

Free Position Shots: 6-8  -  1-8 CU

Ground Balls: 51-44 RU

Saves: 17-11 CU

Draw Controls: 18-16 RU

Clears: 20-23  -  17-27 RU

Penalties: 3-1 RU

Fouls: 25-23 RU

Turnovers: 16-5 RU

 Up Next: The Reinhardt Eagles will be having their Senior Night this upcoming Saturday, April 1^st, versus the St. Andrews Knights at 12:00pm. Come out and support the Seniors as they will be playing in their last regular-season home-game.