Reaching A High Point: Women’s Lacrosse Takes Home Third Straight Win Heading Into Conference

Victory! The Lady Flames lacrosse team netted its third straight win, holding off High Point to win 11-10 as the team prepares to go into conference play next week. 

High Point has traditionally had the Lady Flames’ number, winning nine out of the 12 last meetings, but the Lady Flames have now won two in a row against the Panthers.

With seven different members of the team contributing to the scoring column, the Lady Flames took control of the field over the Panthers in every category, putting up 30 shots on goal, 13 draw controls and two free position goals. 

The first half of the game was dominated by the Lady Flames scoring six goals leading into the half, outshooting the Panthers 16-7 while holding an 8-5 edge in caused turnovers. Sophomore Jordan Baerga, sophomore Hannah Davis and senior Mia Toscano each recorded two caused turnovers, making it a bigger challenge for the Panthers to score in the first half. Toscano also scooped up five of the team’s 18 groundballs.

As the offense continued to slam the Panthers with multiple scorers, the Lady Flames’ defense denied High Point offensive opportunities. Liberty did not allow a free-position shot for the Panthers.

Leading 10-5 late in the third period, Liberty held a substantial gap on the scoreboard. However, the tables began to turn in the second half with the Panthers going on a 4-0 scoring run to get the game within one goal. With the game still up in the air, Baerga netted a shot to put Liberty two goals ahead with 2:09 to go. 

High Point scored with 0:08 to go to get the game back within a goal, but the final horn sounded before High Point could score again for the tie.

Liberty Head Coach Kelly Nangle was thrilled with the result.

“What a great day for our program,” Nangle said. “We always challenge ourselves with a tough schedule, and it forces us to work through a lot early on in the season. The girls have responded really well to the challenges of our earlier games to put us in a position to win tough games.”

She said that the team’s confidence has steadily risen throughout the season.

“Their confidence is growing every day, and it is fun to watch as their coach,” Nangle said. “I am looking forward to see how this group continues to grow and build throughout the rest of this season.”

The Lady Flames improved to 6-4 overall and 3-2 at home. Liberty now faces No. 8 Duke March 29 before the team opens conference play April 2 against Delaware State. 

Treadway is a sports reporter.