Charleston, Wv. – The University of Charleston women's lacrosse team dropped a tough contest to top-seeded Frostburg State on Saturday, falling 17–9 at the Welch Athletic Complex in a highly competitive Mountain East Conference showdown.
The Basics:
- Location: Welch Athletic Complex
- Score: UC 9, FSU 17
- Records: UC 9-5 (3-2 MEC), FSU 9-6 (6-0 MEC)
How it Happened:
Looking to avenge an earlier-season loss, the Golden Eagles came out with intensity on their home turf. Goalkeeper Megan Liston set the tone with a strong early save, and Alyse Weber struck first to give UC the early 1–0 lead. But Frostburg responded quickly with two goals of their own to claim the lead. Ella Russano leveled the score at 2–2 on a free position shot, but Frostburg answered back with two more goals to end the first quarter ahead 4–2.
In the second quarter, Frostburg continued to apply pressure offensively. UC struggled with a few green card penalties, giving the Bobcats additional opportunities. Despite goals from Darby Stolz, Madison Partridge, and another from Weber, FSU added four more goals—two of them from Neila Haney—and took an 8–5 lead into halftime.
Charleston found momentum in the third quarter. After conceding two early goals, head coach Ryland Luciano called a timely timeout to refocus his team. The response was immediate. Willow Cooper sparked the rally with a goal and an assist on Stolz's second, bringing UC within three. Cooper then converted two free position shots, cutting the deficit to 10–9 and completing a dominant quarter individually. However, Frostburg added a late goal to take an 11–9 lead into the fourth.
Unfortunately for UC, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Bobcats. After Charleston was hit with two quick green cards early in the period, FSU took full advantage, scoring six unanswered goals and shutting out the Golden Eagles to seal the 17–9 win.
Willow Cooper had 3 goals in the loss as Charleston goes to 9-5, 3-2 in conference play.
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles hit the road for their next conference matchup, facing Wheeling University on Wednesday, April 16 at 4 PM.
