Box Score YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – No. 17 Saint Leo women's lacrosse triumphed 19-16 in an offensive battle at South Region opponent Young Harris on Saturday. Down 13-12 with 20 minutes remaining in regulation, Saint Leo generated a five goal run to top the Mountain Lions. The road win raises the Saint Leo Lions overall record to 8-2. The Young Harris Mountain Lions fall to 6-5 overall.

"This was a back and forth battle," said head coach Caitlin Hansen.  "Young Harris is a fast and physical team that never gave up. I am so proud that we fought right along with them."
 
"When we lost the lead in the second half, our leaders, Abbie Ross and Katie Larson, stepped up. Those two along with Delaney Chrisco came up with big draw controls, defensive stops and took the ball hard to cage and finished. It was exactly what we needed to get us going again. Abbie and Katie have been more defensive minded in past games but today they showed their versatility and will to win. Their energy inspired the entire team in a key regional win," concluded Hansen.
 
Katherine Larson recorded four goals, two assists while she picked up four ground balls, won five draw controls and caused three turnovers.
 
The Basics
Final Score: #17 Saint Leo 19, Young Harris 16
Location: Young Harris, Ga.
Records: SLU (8-2), YHC (6-5)

How It Happened...
1H | Sabrina Sanacore and Leslie Ferguson quickly raised Saint Leo 2-0. The Mountain Lions answered with a three goal run. Sarah Pierson finished Leslie Ferguson's pass to level the scoreboard, 3-3 at 20:54. The goal sparked  four more Saint Leo goals, 7-3. The Walstad sisters struck with 4:21 left in the half followed by a Delaney Chrisco goal, assisted by Katherine Larson. | Saint Leo 11-7 |
2H | A second half game of runs handed two lead changes. Young Harris' six-goal run allowed the hosts to take the lead 13-12 with 20:02 remaining in the game. Katherine Larson snapped the Saint Leo silence, tying the game at 16:31. She continued, scoring two more to retain the lead. Leslie Ferguson converted a free position shot followed by an unassisted goal by Abbie Ross, 17-15 at 11:40. The five goal run would be enough to outlast the Mountain Lions. | Saint Leo 19-16 |
 
Points to Note

• Lions took 38 shots, placed 31 on frame
• Picked up 26 ground balls but committed 24 turnovers
• Team won 22 draw controls led by Sarah Pierson with seven
• Erin Davis earned nine saves in 60 minutes of work

For Young Harris

•  Mountain Lions took 34 shots, placed 25 on frame
• Picked up 25 ground balls but committed 21 turnovers
• Nicole Kernohan led offense with nine points from six goals, one assist
• Only cleared 14-of-26 attempts
• Julia Darroch and Rachel Robb each grabbed six saves

 
Up Next
Saint Leo will be back in action in less than 24 hours. The Lions will travel to Wingate for a 1:00 p.m. game on Sunday, March 25.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's lacrosse, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.