HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — The No. 3 SCAD Savannah women's lacrosse team went toe-to-toe with No. 2 University of the Cumberlands on Friday afternoon, ultimately falling 10-9 in a defensive battle.

RECORDS: The Bees move to 5-2 on the season, while the Patriots improve to 11-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED: SCAD opened the game strong, matching the Patriots blow-for-blow in a high-energy first quarter. The Bees found the back of the net four times, including goals from Ellen Benintendi, Karley Holland, and Maddy Hahn, to keep the score tied at 4-4 heading into the second frame.

Defensive adjustments dominated the middle periods as goals became hard to come by. The Patriots managed to sneak two goals past the Bees in the second quarter while holding SCAD scoreless. In the third, SCAD's defense, anchored by Lorna Fowles, limited the Patriots to just two scores, while an unassisted goal from Ellen Benintendi kept the Bees within striking distance at 8-5.

The Bees mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring Cumberlands 4-2. Maddie Krohn and Annise Berkeley sparked the late surge, and a man-up goal from Holland fueled the momentum. Despite a barrage of 15 shots in the final period, the Bees fell just one goal short as time expired.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Ellen Benintendi led the Bees' offense with five points, recording four goals and one assist. She also added four draw controls and three caused turnovers.
• Annise Berkeley tallied three points on one goal and two assists while collecting two ground balls.
• Karley Holland added two goals while Maddy Hahn and Maddie Krohn each contributed a goal to the Bees' total.
• Rylen Gray anchored the defense with a team-high five ground balls and three caused turnovers.
• Four Bees each recorded three caused turnovers to disrupt the Patriot attack.
• Lorna Fowles made five saves in 43 minutes of action, while Chloe Zundel added one save in relief.
• The Bees dominated the shot count, outshooting the Patriots 33-20, and held an 18-17 advantage in ground balls.
• SCAD held the Patriots to their fewest goals scored this season. 

WHAT'S NEXT? The Bees are back in action on Saturday, March 28 to host No. 9 Ave Maria at 3 p.m.