NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Cumberlands 12, Life U 11

Records: Cumberlands, 4-0; Life U, 5-1

MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life U women's lacrosse team saw the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) in a 12-11 loss at Lupo Family Field on Friday evening.

The Patriots led most of the game, but the Running Eagles continued to battle, outscoring Cumberlands 5-3 in the final quarter, but it was not enough as the Patriots defensively held Life U from scoring in the final seconds.

Despite the loss, junior Lexi Santiago had an outstanding day, taking the team lead with five goals and with three draw controls. Fellow junior Nicole Ortiz added three goals and two assists while Leanne Windon and Olivia Andrews both put a goal on the board too. 

Goalkeeper Lilly Phillips was outstanding as well, making four saves for the Running Eagles.

The afternoon started inauspiciously for the Running Eagles, as Cumberlands scored seven of the game's first eight goals to lead 7-1 the first half. However, the Running Eagles responded quickly in the second half, with an early goal from Windon helping Life U pick up some momentum. 

After Cumberlands briefly added two goals,  Life U reeled off a 4-0 scoring burst to trail only by going into the fourth quarter.

The Running Eagles kept fighting, though, and clawed back into the contest as the Running Eagles were only behind by one goal with 3:46 left in the game.\

Even though the Patriots won the last draw control Life U was able to gain possession and take four shots but Cumberland's goalie was able to keep Life U off the board the rest of the time to take the win back to Kentucky. 

The one-goal loss marks Life U's first of the season. 

Up next, the Running Eagles will return to competition next Wednesday, March 6, hosting Benedictine College at 6 p.m.