Greeneville, Tn – On Saturday, the Golden Eagles kicked off their 2023 season with an out-of-conference matchup with the Pioneers of Tusculum University. The Pioneers lost their first match at home to Lee University, falling to a score of 6-16. This was the first meeting of both programs in a women's lacrosse matchup, as they each were looking to add a win to their record. 
 
The Basics
Location: Pioneer Field
Score: UC 7, TU 15
Records: UC (0-1, 0-0 MEC), TU (1-1, 0-0 SAC) 
 
How it Happened
The biggest factor in this matchup: shots. Within the 60 minutes of playing time, the Pioneers had three times as many shots as the Golden Eagles had the entire game, putting up 33 compared to Charleston's 11. Destiny Jackson would score the first two goals for Charleston as she sent a pair of free position shots into the net and her second would bring the Golden Eagles within two of Tusculum. In the second quarter, Darby Stolz, the freshman in her first collegiate game, scored a goal with an assist from Jackson to make the score 3-4 with 10:42 remaining in the half. The two teams would find two goals each for the next eight minutes, but the Pioneers would have the last laugh going into the locker room as they would convert on two consecutive free position shots to take an 8-5 lead into halftime. 
 
Despite Gianni Blundell opening up the scoring in the second half with her eight-meter shot, Tusculum would score six consecutive goals into the fourth quarter to take a 14-6 lead over Charleston. Tess Yuhas' goal with 7:50 remaining in the game would be the final score for the Golden Eagle as they dropped their first match of the year to Tusculum University 15-7. 
 
Charleston proved that they are able to move the ball up to the attacking third, converting 16-22 clear attempts on the day. What cost them in this one was their 28 turnovers in the game, which disallowed any momentum or ball movement on offense and distinguished any opportunity that could've led to a goal. Freshman keeper Megan Liston got the start in goal and had a solid first showing, putting up seven total saves with 22 shots on goal. 
 
Up Next
Charleston will have their first home game of 2023 on February 23^rd at 5:00 PM as they take on the Lewis University Flyers at the Welch Athletic Complex.