MARIETTA, Ga. --- In a highly contested, top five match up between NAIA women's lacrosse powers Life University and Reinhardt, the Running Eagles managed to hold on for the 13-12 victory, in large part due to oppressive defensive play and Maria Arvizu not only scoring a game-high five goals but also making her presence felt in all facets of the game Friday afternoon on Lupo Family Field.

No. 4 Life U (5-1) never trailed No. 5 Reinhardt (2-1) over the course of the competition, but it was far from an easy win for the Running Eagles, Reinhardt always finding a way to get back into the game when Life U created any breathing space. The first quarter of play saw a flurry of goals in a tight contest, Arvizu scoring three of her goals over the early running to keep the team on top. With the game tied 4-4, Erika Morgan netted a fantastic shot from distance, giving the lead back to Life U. The team's traded scored over the final two minutes to see Life U on top after 15 minutes 6-5.

The scoring slowed down tremendously in the second, Life U scoring a pair unanswered before Reinhardt cashed in their only score of the second as the Running Eagles saw their lead expand slightly going into the halftime break 8-6.

A pair of quick Running Eagles goals pushed the lead to 10-6 and had the game looking like Life U might run away with it, but Reinhardt answered with a 4-0 run to see things tied 10-10 with 4:09 left in the third. Angie Forbes scored with little time left in the period for Life U to go into the final quarter of play nursing an 11-10 advantage.

Arvizu scored her fifth and final goal of the game with just over 10 minutes to play, seeing the Running Eagles back on top by two, but yet another Reinhardt run saw the game again tied 12-12 with seven minutes remaining. After a Reinhardt foul with four minutes to play, Forbes capitalized on a free position opportunity, netting what ended up being the game winning shot. Life U's defense clamped down the rest of the way, Korenza Heath making some huge saves to see the team ride out the 13-12 victory.

Arvizu continues to stand out across the entire stat sheet, leading or sharing the team lead in every major statistical category, recording five goals, an assist, four caused turnovers, and four ground balls. Forrbes had one of the best games of her young career, netting three goals and dishing out an assist, while also earning a caused turnover and two ground balls. Kelly Beshaw was the only other Life U player to earn multiple goals, scoring twice on the only two shots she took. Nina Sutton was tough defensively, causing three turnovers and earning three ground balls. 

As to be expected in such a close game, the teams were very close on their stats, Reinhardt leading in total shots taken 34-28, while Life U led saves 11-7, ground balls 25-20, and caused turnover 16-12. Reinhartd was more efficient in their clear attempts, completing 19-for-21 compared to the Running Eagles 23-for-31.

It is a quick turn around for the Running Eagles, the team playing at home again this Sunday, facing (RV) Aquinas at noon as the team's March homestead continues.