LAKELAND, Fla. - No. 3 Florida Southern (2-0) clinched a 13-10 win over No. 11 Lynn University (0-1) Friday night at Berend Field, fueled by three power-play goals that solidified their victory.
The game kicked off with Florida Southern taking charge as
Kolby Cohen won the initial draw. Early efforts, including a free position shot by
Baillie Pinder, were thwarted by Lynn's goalie Ava Ceglia in the opening minutes. Florida Southern broke through when
Lindsey Tolliver netted the first goal at 9:54, off an assist from
Jenna Vetter.
Lynn quickly answered with a goal from Rebecca Clark to tie the game. But Florida Southern wasted no time regaining the upper hand.
Riley Rivera fired one in at 2:11 with
Charlie Laye's help.
Kelsey Bennett scored off a pass from
Louise Aloi with just 1:19 left Florida Southern to end the first quarter up 3-1, setting a fierce pace.
As the second quarter began, Florida Southern capitalized on Lynn's penalties. Aloi scored at 8:35, assisted by
Danielle Mojsej, and just moments later, Rivera struck again, boosting the lead. Lynn called a timeout to regroup.
Despite Lynn's attempts, including a goal from Hannah Exley that trimmed the lead, Florida Southern kept the pressure on.
Audrey Cannelli's crucial draw control helped Florida Southern maintain possession. Lynn capitalized on player-up situations late in the quarter, with goals by Rebecca Clark and Elizabeth Clagett tying the game 5-5, Florida Southern held firm, setting up an intense final stretch.
In the third quarter, Florida Southern's offense surged. Vetter scored at 14:11, assisted by Aloi, to make it 6-5. Tolliver seized a player-up chance at 11:24, assisted by Pinder, and notched another from a free position at 9:17, pushing the lead to 9-5. Lynn's Exley responded at 6:04, but Bennett quickly countered with a goal assisted by Aloi at 4:49, keeping Florida Southern comfortably ahead.
Lynn fought back with goals from Madison Smith and Angelia Huggins, closing the gap to 10-8 by the end of the quarter. Yet, Florida Southern held their ground, entering the fourth quarter with a 10-8 lead.
Florida Southern's defense shined in the fourth, highlighted by
Rebekah Bargeron's save on an early shot from Lynn's Clark. After a foul, Clark scored on a free position, but Florida Southern struck back when Vetter scored on a player-up opportunity assisted by
Hanna Watson, extending the lead to 11-9.
Harper Muma added to the tally with her first career goal, and Watson followed suit, bringing the score to 13-9. Despite a late goal from Lynn's Clagett, Florida Southern maintained control, with Cannelli winning multiple draw controls and Bargeron making key saves. The game wrapped up with a solid 13-10 victory for Florida Southern.
Vetter led the Moccasins with three goals, including the clincher, plus an assist. Tolliver made her mark with three goals on five shots, one from a free position. Bennett was perfect, scoring two goals on two attempts. Watson also contributed, scoring once and assisting on two others.
Next up, Florida Southern heads to Charger Park in Huntsville, Alabama, to face Alabama Huntsville on Thursday, Feb. 19, with the game set to start at 8 p.m. (EST).
