Franklin Springs, Ga – The Emmanuel Women's Lacrosse team opened conference play with a match up against Belmont Abbey this evening. The Crusaders took an early lead, but the Lions outscored Belmont Abbey 3-2 in the second period to cut the Crusaders lead to 5-4 entering the half. The Crusaders opened up the game in the 2^nd half, outscoring the Lions 10-3 to earn the 15-7 win. With the loss, the Lions fall to 1-3 on the season, 0-1 in conference action. 

Tonight's game was more than just a game however, it was an opportunity for both teams to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health in student-athletes through partnering with the non-profit, Morgan's Message. 

Belmont Abbey got on the board first, taking a 3-0 lead early in the period. Taylor Schubert responded with a goal at the 3:54 mark, assisted by Meghan Jennings to make it 3-1, Crusaders heading into the second period.

In the second, the Crusaders scored a pair of goals early to push their lead to 5-1, but the Lions answered with goals by Kristie Fisher, Mikaela Austin and Jennings. Fisher was first to score with 9:39 to play, assisted by Paetyn Hoffman to cut Belmont Abbey's lead to 5-2. Austin was next to find the net a minute later, assisted by Jennings to make it 5-3 and Jennings cut the Crusaders lead to one with 2:53 to play in the period to make it 5-4 heading into break.

The Crusaders responded well, opening the 3^rd period on a 4-0 scoring run to make it 9-4, Crusaders heading into the 4^th.

Their scoring run continued into the 4^th as Belmont Abbey scored the first three goals of the period to push their lead to 12-4. The Lions answered with a goal by Jennings with 10:35 to play to make it 12-5, Crusaders. Hoffman was next to score for the Lions, assisted by Emily Dawson to make it 12-6, Crusaders. Belmont Abbey grabbed the next three goals to make it 15-6, Crusaders but Lexi Lee closed the game out with a goal, assisted by Demi Czynski to make the final score 15-7 Crusaders.

Meghan Jennings led the team with 2 goals and 2 assists. Avery Atkins finished the night with 8 saves in goal.

Next up, the Lions will travel to Montevallo, AL to face the University of Montevallo on Saturday at 2PM.

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.