MARIETTA, Ga. ---- The No. 4 nationally ranked Life University women's lacrosse team used a strong third quarter to outlast No. 9 Sienna Heights 19-12 Friday afternoon at home.

After the first quarter finished, Life U held a narrow 5-4 lead over Sienna Heights. The Saints struck first 34 seconds into the game, as the Running Eagles answered with a 3-0 run to lead 3-1. A late goal with 28 seconds left in the quarter brought the saints to within one. Starting the second quarter, Arvizu got the ball rolling with a pair of goals, however the Saints answered with a goal as the scoring in the second quarter dwindled. Life U led 7-5 at the break. 

Sienna Heights cut the lead to one, 7-6, 38 seconds into the third, but Life U responded with a 5-1 run to lead 12-7. The Saints scored a pair of goals in the remainder of the third, however Life U would answer with three of their own to lead 15-9 heading into the fourth quarter. Curto found the back of the net for the Running Eagles to start the scoring, however Sienna Heights answered with a pair of goals. Life U finished the game on a 3-1 run for the final score of 19-12. 

Life U led in most statistical categories as the Running Eagles out-shot the saints 46-27 in the game with 39-19 advantage in shots on goal as well. Sienna Heights led in saves 20-7 and also led in turnovers 40-26. Life U was 25-37 on clears during the game as Sienna Heights finished 17-26. The Running Eagles totaled 40 ground balls compared to the 27 from the Saints. 

Individually, Maria Arvizu paced the offense for the Running Eagles with five goals, two assists, two caused turnovers and a ground ball. Brianna Freeman added four goals with three ground balls, as Angie Forbes and Lacy Legaspi each earned the hat-trick with three goals each. Annaliese Froese added a pair of goals with an assist on two ground balls and two caused turnovers. Leanne Windon led the defensive effort with nine caused turnovers and five ground balls, as Lexi Santiago added six caused turnovers with five ground balls. Erika Morgan tallied four ground balls and four caused turnovers as well. Korenza Heath totaled seven saves in goal for the win.

The women's lacrosse team will take a short break before returning to action on Sunday, March 13, when they host Marian University on Lupo Family Field at 12 PM.