The University of Alabama-Huntsville (9-1) used a five-goal run on Tuesday night to power past the Florida Tech Panthers 12-6 in a Division II women’s lacrosse game in Melbourne, Florida.
Turnovers have been an issue at times this season for the Panthers, and the issue reared its ugly head again in this game, with the Panthers turning the ball over 25 times. They caused 14 turnovers, while the Chargers caused 12.
Nicole Federovitch led the way for UAH, scoring four goals and adding four assists. Megan Hartnett had a second-half hat-trick for the Chargers, on her way to a four-point night.
Each team had 22 shots, with 15 on goal for UAH and 12 for Florida Tech. Panthers goalie Chloe Zador made three saves, while Chargers goalie Leslie Allen Brown made six saves.
Florida Tech (5-5) was led by Sam Schiano, who scored two goals and collected two assists. Leah Dunn and Mollie Kaplan scored two goals apiece.
This was a low-scoring, back-and-forth affair early, with the Chargers earning a 5-4 advantage at the half. They went on to outscore the Panthers 7-2 in the second half, running away with it late.
Schiano got the Panthers on the board 55 seconds in, but UAH made it 2-1 with goals 1:30 apart from Katie Gerber and Federovitch. Mollie Kaplan’s 23rd of the season tied the game, before Federovitch and Gerber went back-to-back again, making it 4-2.
Dunn got the Panthers back into it with goals 1:04 apart, tying the game at four. Federovitch scored with 9:58 left in the first half, giving the Chargers a one-goal lead that they took into the halftime break.
The second half started with the defenses winning out before Hartnett scored 7:57 into the half. Abbey O’Brien made it 7-4 before Schiano scored on a nice feed from Alexis Townsend. For Townsend, it was her 15th helper of the season.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, they would go into a scoring drought, while the Chargers were able to go on their big run, giving the visitors a 12-5 lead.
Kaplan would score the final goal of the night for the Panthers, who hadn’t scored in over 18 minutes of game action.
For more info: Alabama-Huntsville @ Florida Tech Box Score
Florida Tech held an 11-8 advantage in draw controls and a 25-22 edge in groundballs. They were 11-of-16 on clears.
The Panthers will not play a game again until Wednesday, April 3 at home against Sunshine State Conference foe, Tampa. The opening draw is set for 7:00 p.m. at Florida Tech Panther Stadium.