The Furman women’s lacrosse team began Big South play against archrival Wofford on Wednesday, March 27 as they welcomed the Terriers into Paladin Stadium.
The Southern Conference derby kicked off with the momentum swinging back and forth between the two teams. Heading into the locker room for half time, the Paladins were down 6-4. This half saw junior attack Anna Roser score twice, including her 100th career goal as a Din.
Coming back from the locker room energized, the Paladins outscored the Terriers 8-1 in the second half. Senior attack Sophie Shaw netted a goal with four minutes remaining in the game to secure the comeback victory for Furman at 12-10.
Furman continued their momentum when they traveled to Gardner Webb on Saturday, March 30. The Dins routed the Runnin’ Bulldogs, 21-9. Junior midfielder Sophia Buzelis led the team with five goals, matching her career high. Roser and fifth-year midfielder Hannah Dintino both scored four goals as Shaw also netted a hat trick of her own.
After the wins over Wofford and Gardner-Webb, junior attack Paige Harman was named the Big South Offense Player of the Week. Harman racked up 11 points on eight assists and three goals. She also won 10 draws and three ground balls during the two-game stretch.
The Paladins then won their third-straight Big South contest versus Presbyterian College on Saturday, April 6. Furman cruised to a 17-6 victory over the Blue Hose thanks to another five-goal performance by Buzelis.
Following the string of victories, Furman battled against Mercer on Wednesday, April 11, and suffered a 17-11 loss. Harman and Roser each scored a hat trick, while freshman goalie Sailor Henderson had eight saves. Mercer controlled the draw circle, winning 21 draws compared to Furman’s 11. Following the loss, Furman dropped to 3-1 and a tie for second in the Big South with High Point. These two trail Mercer and Longwood, who are tied at the top of the league and remain undefeated in conference play.
The Dins are headed for a two-game road trip to play Winthrop on Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m. and at Longwood on Wednesday, April 17. Furman will then return home to play High Point on Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m. as Furman celebrates Senior Day. The regular season finale will be played at home against Radford on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
