Reinhardt Shines in Primetime Matchup, Beats Running Eagles, 20-9

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com

WALESKA, Ga. – A battle within the top 10 in NAIA women's lacrosse turned into a runaway after No. 6 Reinhardt combined fast-paced offense and a dominant defensive performance to dismantle No. 7 Life (Ga.), 20-9, inside Ken White Field at University Stadium on Thursday night.

The Eagles (3-1) overwhelmed the Running Eagles from the start, accounting for 14 goals in the first half to put the game away early.

"The girls played their best game of the season to get a hard-won victory over a tough Life University team," head coach Roy Reynolds said. "Using stingy defense, a great draw game, awesome transitions and explosive offense… The girls put together a great effort for the win."

It took less than a minute for the hometown club to get on the board after Morgan McGhee found Caroline Copenhaver for the early 1-0 advantage. Life was able to respond within two minutes, but watched as Reinhardt made four-straight goals to bolt out to a 5-1 lead less than nine minutes into the action.

Less than a minute later at 20:30, the Running Eagles broke up the scoring spree with a netted shot of their own to make the score, 5-2. Twenty-five seconds later, however, the host Eagles made their first of back-to-back scores to up their cushion to five at 7-2.

The closest Life would get to Reinhardt the rest of the way came at the 13:32 mark after the visitors got back within four at 7-3. From there, the Eagles would soar to halftime on a 7-0 run and a 14-3 score at the break.

The hometown club continued to score in the second half as it made three more shots (10-0 run) to open up a big lead of 17-3 with 22:35 remaining in the game. From there, the Eagles were able to get different lineups on the field and get much-needed live action to the depth of the roster.

Copenhaver and Anna-Marie Gazzo were out-front on offense with five goals apiece. Two others – McGhee and Shelby O'Neil – netted three shots each.

Reinhardt grabbed 15 draw controls to hold possession throughout the contest. Individually, both McGhee and O'Neil had a half-dozen.

Syd McHale forced four out of the 20 miscues made by the Running Eagles.

Jessie Landers got the victory protecting the net and making three saves.

Reinhardt is back on the home field Saturday against Appalachian Athletic Conference member St. Andrews (N.C.) at Noon.

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Lacrosse, please click here.