CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The Frostburg State Women's Lacrosse team suffered their first MEC defeat of the season with a 14-12 loss to Charleston on the road Thursday afternoon.
UC controlled the opening three minutes, holding FSU without a shot while scoring a pair of goals. Junior Maya Mosslih got the Bobcats going by causing a turnover, eventually leading to freshman Avery O'Hara picking up a shot off the post and scoring to make the score 2-1. The Golden Eagles took advantage of a Frostburg card to net their third, while Megan Liston made a pair of saves in goal that eventually led to a 4-1 lead after nine minutes. Sophomore Liz Amos kept UC out with a save, paving the way for senior Neila Haney to net a free position goal, however Charleston hit right back with a solo effort. Following another Liston save, the Golden Eagles put home their sixth of the frame, but Haney would have the final tally, scoring off a feed from freshman Maddie Russell for a 6-3 score.
Starting the second period on the front foot, UC netted back-to-back efforts within the first three minutes to grow their advantage up to five. FSU looked to get themselves back into the game, forcing Liston into a pair of stops before the Russell-Haney connection paid off again for an 8-4 score. Through the next five minutes, the Golden Eagles were denied by both the post and Amos, as after turnovers from each side, junior Gianna Leonardi netted a solo goal to get within 8-5. Amos then came up with a huge stop on a free position, then senior Izzy Kelly caused a turnover, as Frostburg captured some momentum to end the half with Haney finding freshman Delaney Burrows for an 8-6 score at the break.
Both goalkeepers made stops to start the third period, as Charleston took the upper hand, hitting the post before scoring off a free position. As the Bobcats struggled to hold onto the ball, UC was able to hold off their attack while scoring once more inside the final five minutes to lead by four. FSU looked to get their footing back, as sophomore Kam Lee caused a turnover, with senior Sydney Stone and Leonardi providing for O'Hara and senior Emily Lamoreaux to get back within two. The Golden Eagles netted a dagger goal with just under two minutes to go, taking advantage of another woman-up opportunity to lead 11-8 going to the final frame.
Seeking to put Frostburg away, UC put home two goals in the first two minutes to take their advantage up to five. Out of a Bobcat timeout, freshman Kiera Pieper made a save in net while Liston matched at the other end. Seeing the clock tick down, FSU needed some quick offense, which they got over a 90-second span, as Burrows and O'Hara each netted after a Golden Eagle yellow card, then Haney went on a solo run to pull all the way within 13-11. Charleston got a much-needed draw control, as Pieper made one stop before a green card resulted in another UC score. Burrows tried to provide a late miracle with her third goal, but a Liston save and a pair of late cards allowed the Golden Eagles to keep possession and secure the upset 14-12 victory.
Haney led the offense with four goals and an assist, while Burrows and O'Hara each netted a trio of goals. Mosslih and senior Julia Mangini drove the defensive effort with four combined caused turnovers and three groundballs.
With the loss, Frostburg drops to 11-3 on the year, while Charleston improves to 9-5. FSU will return home on Wednesday, April 15 to face Wheeling at 3 p.m. Information and updates will be posted to frostburgsports.com.
