BOILING SPRINGS – LIU Brooklyn used a 6-0 run midway through the second half to create separation and went on to a 22-11 win over Gardner-Webb in women's lacrosse action Friday afternoon.
The Blackbirds (2-4) jumped out to a 6-1 lead, but Gardner-Webb (0-7) recovered from that point to make a game of it.
The Runnin' Bulldogs scored four out of the next five goals after the early deficit, trimming the lead to 7-5 on an unassisted Amanda Steinmuller goal with 12:16 remaining in the first half.
LIU Brooklyn used its transition game to add to its lead the rest of the half, getting a goal from Kathryn Harvey with 9:39 remaining – then three goals in the final 2:25 to go up 11-5 at the break.
Gardner-Webb scored just 29 seconds into the second half on a free position goal by Steinmuller and traded goals with the Blackbirds until back-to-back scores – one from Maddie Stephens and another from Cassidy McDowell with 24:26 left in the game cut LIU Brooklyn's lead to 13-9.
The Blackbirds went on their decisive, 6-0 run from there, getting a goal from Jillian May with 23:16 on the clock and another from Kayla Riley less than a minute later. Jenn Peters' unassisted goal with 15:03 to play capped the rally and gave LIU Brooklyn a commanding 18-9 lead.
Stephens scored with 6:41 left to cut the margin to 19-11, but the Blackbirds scored the final three goals of the game for the final margin.
LIU Brooklyn held a 44-30 shooting edge in the game and took advantage of 25 Gardner-Webb turnovers to power the fast break.
Gardner-Webb got four goals each from Steinmuller and McDowell, with Steinmuller adding an assist. She was 3-for-4 on free position shots as well. Stephens added a pair of goals and Catherine Fox found the back of the net on two shots.
Abby Hanscom assisted on one of McDowell's scores, and Janice Donaldson had her first career assist. Hanscom added a team-high four ground balls.
Freshman Carrie Studdard came off the bench early in the game and finished with 15 saves in a career-high 55:44 in the cage.
The Blackbirds were led by Peters' six goals and three assists. Tori Shinkowitz and Briana Santiccui added three goals each, while Jillian May scored twice. Speedy Kayla Riley had five caused turnovers and three ground balls while scoring one goal to go with an assist.
Gardner-Webb will hit the road for spring break, traveling to face Central Michigan on Tuesday at 5 pm in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The Runnin' Bulldogs will play at Cincinnati on Friday, March 17 at 5 pm.
