Williamsburg, KY – Olivia McCarrell made 14 saves and held the top-ranked Seahawks to their lowest goal output of the season, but it wasn't enough as the Patriots fell to Keiser 12-6 in the MSC Championship Saturday afternoon at the UC Lacrosse Complex.   

In addition to McCarrell, who recorded double-digit saves for the fifth time this season, the Patriot backline of Hannah Churchley, Kenzie Rogers, Kelly Webb, and Trinity Brown combined for four caused turnovers and eight ground balls in the game. Bella Ricchiazzi and Florence Andrieu each tallied two goals and an assist to lead the Patriots offense.

Keiser won the opening draw control and looked to strike first, however, McCarrell made a save to keep the game scoreless.  On the Patriots first offensive possession, Ricchiazzi converted a free position goal to give UC a 1-0 lead just over a minute into the first half.  As anticipated, both defenses continued to clamp down as neither team were able to convert goals over the next ten minutes.  Keiser went on a 3-0 run, before Rachel Leigh forced a Seahawk turnover on the ensuing possession Emily Heim found Stephanie Meyer for a goal cutting the deficit to 3-2 midway through the first half.  UC looked for the equalizer, however, Keiser's Jessica Covell made the save.  After two more Keiser goals, Reegan Hensley scooped a ground ball in Patriots territory and made a cross field pass to Andrieu for a goal cutting it 5-3 with 3:09 remaining.  Both teams looked to score before the half but were unsuccessful as the Patriots trailed 5-3 at the break.

The Seahawks netted four unanswered goals to start the second half and extend their lead to 9-3.  Cumberlands looked to rally as Andrieu found Leigh cutting towards the cage for a goal to make it 9-4 with 17:59 remaining.  McCarrell added three saves and helped kill a Keiser man-up opportunity over the next 12 minutes.  Ricchiazzi and Andrieu each added a goal in the final minutes for the 12-6 final.   

Cumberlands will now await the announcement of the NAIA Tournament qualifiers, which should be announced by the NAIA Sunday, April 25.

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