No. 5-Spartans Down Eutectics in Final Regular Season Game

The Eutectic women's lacrosse has made great strides this season, finishing the regular season with a winning record of 7-6 after a loss to Missouri Baptist University (13-2, 4-0 KCAC) on Saturday at UHSP's home field at Creve Coeur Soccer Complex.

The NAIA No. 5-ranked MBU Spartans were the heavy favorites, coming into the game as the only undefeated team in the Conference. But, despite the lopsided score of 21-2, the Eutectics showed great improvement since their last meeting in 2023. UHSP forced 20 MBU turnovers, picking up 14 ground balls, and improved possession, taking nine shots in the game.

After a quick first goal by MBU in the first minute of play, the Spartans won the draw and quickly took another shot on goal. But, UHSP goalkeeper Brianna Dixon was able to make the save and put the ball back into play to set up a good clear attempt by the Eutectics. With seconds left on the shot clock, Molly Biermann received a pass from Michelle Le and fired the ball at the MBU goal from way out on the perimeter, blasting it past MBU goalkeeper Amelia Shaw to even the score at 1-1 at 12:09. The Spartans responded quickly, scoring less than 30 seconds later to regain the lead, then scored three more before the end of the first quarter to take a 5-1 lead.

The Spartans really turned it on in the second quarter, forcing 11 turnovers, picking up 10 ground balls, and taking 12 shots. Despite Dixon's three saves and seven ground balls by UHSP, MBU was able to score seven goals while holding the Eutectics scoreless, putting the score at 12-1 heading into halftime.

The momentum remained with the Spartans into the third quarter as they were able to add six more goals to their total during the running clock. The third quarter began with a score of 18-1.

The Eutectics fought hard in the final quarter, and it paid off with another goal. Le was able to win three of the five draw controls in the quarter and the team got four shots off, while Dixon fended off four shots on goal. Down 20-1 with seven minutes left, the Eutectics cleared the ball and Biermann and Caeley Doran each just missed shots on the goal. But, at 5:24, Doran was awarded a free position shot, which she converted to her 33^rd goal of the season to make it 20-2. The Spartans were able to sneak one more goal in before time ran out to make the final score 21-2.

Brianna Dixon recorded 11 saves in the game, increasing her season total to 98. Bierman and Doran had the only goals for the Eutectics in the game, with Le picking up the assist for Bierman's goal. Le also collected four draw controls, while Biermann and Heidi Shepherd each recorded three ground balls. Doran had four shots on goal, with MBU goalkeeper Amelia Shaw saving all but one to finish the game with five total saves.

With their 2-2 Conference record, the Eutectics finish the season ranked third in the KCAC to qualify for the Conference Tournament. They will play in the semi-final game against second-ranked Ottawa University (6-7, 3-1 KCAC) on Thursday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Baptist Spartan Field in St. Louis. The winner will play in the tournament championship game on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m.