LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College women's lacrosse team (7-1) showcased its prowess with a commanding 19–8 win over Lenoir-Rhyne University (2-5) on Saturday at Berend Field. The Moccasins capitalized on their offensive opportunities, notching 11 assists and successfully clearing the ball 13 times.
The Moccasins honored the 2016 National Championship women's lacrosse team prior to todays game for their 10th anniversary. Florida Southern also honored all women's lacrosse alumni at halftime.
Jenna Vetter led the charge for Florida Southern with six goals, including the game-winner.
Kolby Cohen was a standout with two goals and two assists, and
Kelsey Bennett was impressively efficient, scoring three times on four shots.
Baillie Pinder also made significant contributions with two goals and two assists, sealing the Moccasins' victory.
The Mocs set the tone right from the start. Bennett struck first at 14:15, courtesy of an assist from Pinder.
Louise Aloi followed with another at 11:50, with
Kassidy Miller on the assist. Although the Bears answered with a goal from Jessica Mikesell at 5:10, the Mocs quickly regained the upper hand. Cohen and
Danielle Mojsej each found the net, ending the first quarter with a solid 4–1 lead for Florida Southern.
In the second quarter, Florida Southern kept the pressure on.
Grace Curtin opened with a goal at 13:46, assisted by Mojsej. Cohen added to the scoreboard with a free position goal at 12:50, marking her ninth of the season. Vetter then scored back-to-back goals, the second assisted by Cohen at 10:25.
Riley Rivera and Pinder also contributed to the tally. The Bears managed two late goals, but the Moccasins held a commanding 11–3 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Mocs continue their dominance. Vetter scored early, assisted by Aloi, followed by two more from Bennett, with Miller assisting on one. Miller also netted a goal, and Vetter added another to cap a strong offensive period. Despite three goals from the Bears, including two by Kirra Olson, Florida Southern maintained a solid 16–6 lead.
In the final quarter, Florida Southern stayed in control. Though Lenoir-Rhyne managed a player-up goal from Jillian Daley, Vetter responded with two of her own, assisted by Cohen and Pinder, respectively. Pinder also added a free position goal. Olson scored again for the Bears, but it wasn't enough to challenge the Moccasins' lead. Rivera was crucial in maintaining possession, dominating the draw controls. The game wrapped up with Florida Southern triumphing 19–8.
Looking ahead, the Mocs will host Maryville University at Berend Field in Lakeland, Florida. The match is set for Sunday, March 22 at noon.
