By: Spencer Mathis Director of Media & Communications
BELMONT, N.C. | The Young Harris College women's lacrosse team picked up a signature non-conference win on Wednesday afternoon, edging Belmont Abbey 11-10 at Alumni Field. Facing one of the top teams in the conference standings, the Mountain Lions held off a late push from the Crusaders to secure the one-goal victory and remain unbeaten in Conference Carolinas play.
Young Harris (10-5) showcased a balanced offensive attack led by Player of the Game Addison Heiser, who delivered four goals and two assists for a game-high six points. Riley Parker added a hat trick, while Megan Magill scored twice and Erika Baalam and Kayla Lynn each found the back of the net.
The Mountain Lions struck first on an unassisted goal from Parker, but Belmont Abbey answered with three straight to take early control. Young Harris stayed within striking distance thanks to a late first-quarter free-position goal from Parker, trailing 3-2 after one.
In the second quarter, the Crusaders extended their lead to 6-4, but the Mountain Lions responded behind Heiser and Magill. Baalam's goal with 14 seconds remaining in the half trimmed the deficit to 6-5 heading into the break.
Young Harris flipped the momentum in the third quarter with a dominant stretch, opening with three consecutive goals from Heiser, Lynn, and Parker to take an 8-6 lead. Belmont Abbey countered with three goals of its own to briefly regain the advantage, but Heiser tied the game at 9-9 late in the quarter.
The fourth quarter proved to be a back-and-forth battle. Heiser gave Young Harris a 10-9 lead with 12:25 remaining, but Belmont Abbey responded to even the score once again. With under four minutes to play, Magill netted the decisive goal off an assist from Baalam, putting the Mountain Lions in front for good at 11-10.
Defensively, goalkeeper McKenna Graf was outstanding in net, recording 15 saves to anchor the victory. Young Harris withstood heavy pressure throughout the contest, as Belmont Abbey held advantages in shots (42-26) and draw controls (14-9), but the Mountain Lions capitalized on key moments and timely scoring.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
UP NEXT:
Young Harris returns to play this weekend (Apr. 11) to battle Virginia State University in Young Harris for senior day!
