Florida Southern College

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The #2/#2 Florida Southern College women's lacrosse team used a dominant second half to claim a 12-5 victory over #14/#12 Pace University in Rochester, N.Y. Thursday afternoon in the National Championship Semifinals. After scoring just three goals in the opening 30 minutes, the Moccasin offense exploded for nine goals in the second half to pull away from the Setters. This win propelled the Moccasins into the 2026 NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse National Championship, marking their first appearance in the championship game since 2018.
 
The first quarter began with the Moccasins gaining early momentum as junior Kolby Cohen secured the opening draw control. Despite a turnover, Florida Southern's defense held firm, with freshman Annesley Flint making a crucial save at 13:21. The designated home team capitalized offensively when sophomore Hanna Watson scored the first goal, assisted by junior Audrey Cannelli, at 9:03. Shortly after, junior Grace Curtin extended the Mocs' lead to 2-0 with a goal assisted by Watson at 8:25. Pace responded late in the quarter with Jaime Petrullo scoring a player-up goal at 1:13, narrowing the margin to 2-1 as the quarter concluded.
 
Pace took the lead in the second quarter with Mackenzie Carita scoring twice, first capitalizing on a player-up advantage at 9:10, assisted by Marissa Doty, and then again at 7:02 with help from Annie Sheehan. Florida Southern responded as senior Danielle Mojsej used a behind the back shot at 5:31 to find the back of the net, assisted by Cohen, leveling the score at 3-3. Despite multiple turnovers and defensive stops from both sides, Flint's crucial saves for the Moccasins helped maintain the tie going into halftime.
 
The Moccasins capitalized on multiple opportunities in the third quarter to extend their lead over the Setters. Junior Jenna Vetter scored twice, first at 13:28 from a free position shot and again at 8:16 with an assist from Mojsej. Freshman Riley Rivera added a goal at 11:51, assisted by Vetter, and later found the net again at 5:58 with a free position shot. Curtin closed the quarter's scoring for Florida Southern with a goal at 1:28, assisted by Mojsej. Pace managed a single goal in the period when Marissa Doty scored with 2:40 remaining, assisted by Annie Sheehan. The quarter ended with Florida Southern leading 8-4.
 
The Mocs solidified their lead in the final quarter with a series of well-coordinated plays, starting with a goal by Rivera at 11:54, assisted by Vetter. This was followed by sophomore Kassidy Miller's score at 8:20, also assisted by Vetter, prompting a timeout by Pace. Vetter continued her strong performance, scoring at 7:51 with an assist from Mojsej and later securing a free position goal at 4:01. The Setters managed to respond with a goal by Doty at 1:50, but Florida Southern's control of the draw and timely defensive stops, including two saves by Flint, ensured its 12–5 victory.
 
Vetter led the Mocs with four goals and three assists, also securing two free position goals, to highlight her offensive performance. Mojsej contributed significantly with one goal and three assists. Cohen demonstrated dominance in the draw circle, collecting six draw controls. Rivera was effective, scoring three goals on three shots, including one unassisted goal.
 
The Moccasins will be back in action Saturday, May 23 at 5 p.m. as they battle for the 2026 National Championship against the winner of #7/#4 East Stroudsburg University and #8/#9 Maryville University.
 
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