HICKORY, N.C. – The No. 23 Saint Leo women's lacrosse team topped the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears, 16-15, Friday night in Moretz Stadium. The tight game was tied up six times while the Green and Gold held on to earn their first ticket to the win column of 2020.
 
Delaney Chrisco paced the Lions' scoring with four goals during a four-point game. Ashlee Wilsynski paced the offense with a hat-trick and three assists in a six-point performance. Kaci Archer also tallied a hat-trick while registering five points.
 
Erin Davis earned the start in goal, protecting the net for 44 minutes, in which she snagged four saves. Emma Crafton wrapped up the goal tending duties for the remaining 16 minutes with four saves, including a last second save to avoid overtime.
 
Records:
#23 Saint Leo 1-1
Lenoir-Rhyne 1-1
 
Despite Saint Leo holding the lead the entire game, Lenoir-Rhyne threatened to take the game in the last seconds. The Bears tied it up the game at 12-12 with 11:47 left in regulation. Chrisco and Archer each stepped up, dishing out a collective three-goal run to reclaim the lead for the Lions, 15-12. Lenoir-Rhyne and Saint Leo each exchanged a goal apiece to bring the game to 16-13. A series of turnovers allowed the hosts to slice the gap. The Bears netted a pair of goals regained possession and called a timeout. With a plan in place, Lenoir-Rhyne barged into the Lions territory with seconds remaining. Frances Williams slung an equalizing attempt which was met by Crafton with a huge save to run out the clock and clinch the game for the Lions.  
 
Up Next
Saint Leo will stop in Gaffney, S.C. on Sunday, Feb. 16 to meet the Saints of Limestone. The Lions and Saints are slated for a 1 p.m. first draw.