SAVANNAH, Ga. - Missouri Baptist University Women's Lacrosse competed in the quarterfinal game of the NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Tournament for the third year in a row on Wednesday (April 30).

Although the final score read 20-8 in first-ranked Keiser University's favor, this team of Spartans left every bit of themselves on the field. 

They fought hard for each other until the final buzzer sounded. 

Heart of America Conference Newcomer of the Year, Olivia Julian, led the team with three goals. Julian also recorded four draw controls, two caused turnovers, and one ground ball. She was a menace to the Seahawks, bulldozing over their defenders and harassing their attackers. 

Lydia Cornett scored two goals and recorded six draw controls, one CTO, and one ground ball. Cornett has shattered four MBU program records and lead her team as captain for two years. She was a strong voice for her team in the battle for the red banner this year.

Another senior attacker, Kiersten Lang, scored a goal for MBU as well. She was assisted by junior Madison Terrell. Lang is a cornerstone of the offense and consistently comes in clutch with goals when the Spartans need them most. 

Sophomore Bella McMillan lit up the stadium with her second goal of the year. In the midst of Keiser's downpour of goals, the Spartans celebrated their teammate, displaying their obvious love and support for her on the field and sidelines. 

She was assisted by Mack Miller, one of the leading goal scorers in the country. Miller did the little things in this contest. The captain kept the energy high and continuously pushed herself and her teammates to display their best performances on the national stage. 

Terrell, who assisted Lang early in the game, also scored a goal. The transfer from Florida proved to be a consistent player for MBU, recording nine goals and five assists throughout the season. 

Senior captain Sophia Zegar was also a stand out in the statistics. She recorded four draw controls, two ground balls, and one caused turnover. A dominant voice on defense, it was evident that Zegar put forth every effort she had into slowing Kieser's fast breaks with the rest of MBU's defense. 

Two of the fastest players in the NAIA, Hayley Schnefke and Emily Goewert, recorded impressive stats as well. Schnefke picked up three ground balls, and Goewert recorded two ground balls and one caused turnover. Both defenders also played significant roles in MBU's transition game. They ran like they weren't even fatigued by the Savannah heat.

Goalkeeper Kevynn Bouchard saw a high volume of shots and goals, and she handled herself with class. She never gave up on herself or her team, making some fantastic saves in settled play. She recorded three ground balls and one caused turnover. KU's fast breaks to goal just proved to be too effective against MBU. 

Team  Statistics Highlights
Ground balls / KU - 19, MBU - 15
Draw controls / KU - 18, MBU - 14

In their first year as members of the HAAC, Missouri Baptist closed their season with a 13-7 overall record. They were also 7-1 in the conference, producing eight all-conference players. The future is bright for MBU women's lacrosse.