SAINT LEO, Fla. - The No. 9 Lynn University women's lacrosse team wrapped up its regular season on Wednesday evening, falling to No. 4 Saint Leo, 17-8, in Sunshine State Conference action. Despite a strong second-half push and a hat trick from Elizabeth Clagett, the Fighting Knights were unable to overcome an early deficit as they closed the regular season at 9-6 overall and 3-4 in SSC play, now turning their focus to the upcoming conference tournament.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Saint Leo controlled the opening draw and set the tone early, scoring the game's first goal on a free-position attempt and building a quick 2-0 lead
- The Lions dominated possession in the first quarter, winning multiple draw controls and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to extend the lead to 5-0
- Olivia Fox got Lynn on the board midway through the first, but Saint Leo answered with a late surge, scoring three goals in the final three minutes to take an 8-1 advantage after one
- Lynn showed signs of life in the second quarter, with Elizabeth Clagett and Rebecca Clark each finding the back of the net to cut into the deficit
- Despite forcing turnovers and generating chances, Saint Leo continued to respond offensively, pushing the lead to 12-4 heading into halftime
- Coming out of the break, Lynn created opportunities with strong defensive pressure and possessions, highlighted by another Clagett goal early in the third
- Ava Ceglia came up with multiple key saves, including several on free-position attempts, to keep Lynn within striking distance
- However, Saint Leo capitalized on player-up situations and free-position chances, scoring back-to-back goals to extend the margin to 14-5
- Lynn responded late in the third with goals from Ella Timperio and Zoe Stewart, but Saint Leo answered quickly to maintain a commanding 15-7 lead entering the fourth
- Saint Leo continued to control momentum in the fourth, converting a man-up opportunity early to stretch the lead to 16-7
- Lynn generated multiple free-position chances and quality looks, but was unable to consistently convert against the Lions' defense and goalkeeper
- The Lions added another goal midway through the quarter to push the lead to 17-7
- Zoe Stewart netted her second goal of the game in the final minute off an assist from Danielle Farinas
- Lynn forced a late turnover and created one final opportunity, but Saint Leo held on to secure the 17-8 victory
 
FIGHTING KNIGHT STATS:
- Clagett led the offensive effort with a hat trick, finishing with 3 goals on 9 shots and adding 2 ground balls
- Stewart added 2 goals on 5 shots, including a late fourth-quarter score, while also contributing a ground ball
- Farinas served as the primary playmaker, dishing out 3 assists, accounting for all of Lynn's helpers on the day
- Clark filled the stat sheet with 1 goal, 9 shots, 5 draw controls, and 3 ground balls, leading the team in draw controls
- Timperio and Fox each added a goal, with Timperio also recording a caused turnover
- Ceglia made 8 saves in goal, including multiple stops on free-position attempts to keep Lynn competitive
- The Fighting Knights held a slight edge in ground balls, 19-17, showcasing strong hustle and defensive effort
- Lynn went 16-for-21 on clears (76%), maintaining solid transition efficiency throughout the game
- Lynn forced 20 Saint Leo turnovers, highlighting an aggressive defensive presence
 
UP NEXT:
Lynn will now hit the road for the SSC Championship Tournament, heading to Tampa for the first round set for Saturday, April 18th.