HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — The No. 3 SCAD Savannah women's lacrosse team got back into the win column on Saturday afternoon, putting together a complete performance to defeat Sun Conference rival No. 8 Ave Maria University 13-7 at the Athletics Complex.
RECORDS: The Bees improve to 6-2 (1-0 SUN) on the season, while the Gyrenes fall to 6-4 (0-1 SUN).
HOW IT HAPPENED: SCAD established an early lead in a physical first quarter, outscoring the Gyrenes 4-2.
Ellen Benintendi provided the early offensive spark with two goals, while the Bees' defense forced multiple turnovers to prevent Ave Maria from finding a consistent rhythm.
The second quarter remained a tightly contested defensive battle. Both sides traded goals, with
Lilah Herold and
Maddie Krohn each notching two goals for the Bees. SCAD took a 9-4 advantage into the halftime break, maintaining control despite a late push from the Gyrenes.
The third quarter proved to be a defensive clinic from both squads as only a single goal was scored in the frame.
McKinsey Brown scored the lone goal to push the SCAD advantage to 10-4 going into the final quarter.
SCAD maintained their composure in the final period, matching Ave Maria's late scoring efforts. Herold, Benintendi and
Kellen Berkeley added insurance goals to ensure the outcome was never in doubt, securing a crucial conference victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Lilah Herold led the offensive charge with a game-high four points on four goals.
- Ellen Benintendi added three points on three goals while also leading the team with eight draw controls.
- McKinsey Brown tallied a three point contest coming on two goals and an assist
- Annie Berkeley, Kellen Berkley and Maddie Krohn all added two points to round out the offensive leaders.
- Rylen Gray and Mollie Geiger were forces on defense with four caused turnovers each.
- Chloe Zundel and Lorna Fowles split time in the cage. Zundel got the start with four saves while Fowles came in grabbing two saves and the win.
- The Bees' defense was superb with 19 caused turnovers.
SCAD celebrated alumni day with several decorated alumni coming back to celebrate the win.
WHAT'S NEXT? The Bees continue Sun Conference play as they host No. RV Warner University on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m.
