NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 15, SCAD 8
Records: Life U, 11-7 (4-3 SUN); SCAD 14-3 (6-1 SUN)
SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Life University women's lacrosse team claimed the 2025 SUN Conference Championship early Saturday afternoon, taking down SCAD in dominant fashion. Avenging a loss to the Bees just a week ago, Life U left no doubt as they never trailed in the contest on the way to a 15-8 win.
Alyssa Curto was the first Running Eagle to find the back of the net, giving her squad the early lead. Though the Bees answered back directly off the ensuring draw control, Life U proceeded to go on a three-goal run courtesy of Kathryn Moody. It took just under two minutes for Moody to net her hat trick. Both offenses kicked it into gear, with ten total goals being scored in the first period.
Life held a narrow 6-4 lead heading into the second period. Both defenses found footing in the second as there were just four goals scored. SCAD scored the opening goal of the period just under a minute in before Roxie Beasley and Mia DiCono scored a pair. Once again trailing by three, the Bees scored late in the second to cut the lead back to two, 8-6.
Out of the half time break, Life U began to pull away. The Running Eagles defense completely stopped the SCAD offense, allowing zero goals in the period and just four shots. Goalie Ashley Hammel had another stellar performance in goal, making 12 saves in the contest while giving up eight goals.
Hannah Leon scored the first of two for Life U in the third period. Lexi Santiago scored the other goal, finding the back of the net with just 00:01 left in the period.
Life's 10-6 lead was quickly cut down to three as the Bees once again scored in the opening minute of the period. However, the next eight minutes of the contest were controlled by the Running Eagles as the offensive unit pour in five unanswered goals to take a commanding 15-7 lead with six minutes to play. Santiago, Leon and DiCono all contributed to the run.
Though SCAD posted one final goal, the Running Eagles secured the SUN Conference Championship with a 15-8 victory.
Up next, Life U will prepare for the NAIA National Championship Tournament, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 30.
TURNING POINT:
--Life U blanked the Bees in the third period and stretched the lead to four.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Hannah Leon led all scorers with four goals.
--Kathryn Moody and Nicole Ortiz tied for the team lead in points with five each.
--Kathryn Moody and Lexi Santiago both had hat tricks.
--Nicole Ortiz had four assists in the contest.
--Ashley Hammel made 12 saves in goal.
--Lilly Phillips collected four ground balls and caused two turnovers.
