Mars Hill downs Tusculum in SAC Opener

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - The Mars Hill women's lacrosse team (5-0, 1-0 SAC) defeated Tusculum (2-3, 0-1 SAC) by a score of 17-12 Saturday afternoon to open South Atlantic Conference play.

The Pioneers scored the first seven goals of the game with Tia Tuininga netting three during the run.  Mars Hill closed out the first with goals from Sydney Joyce, Maria Fabrizio, and Kiersten Foust to enter the second quarter trailing 7-3.

The Lions continued their offensive momentum, outscoring Tusculum 5-1 in the second to go into the half tied at eight.  Foust struck twice while Joyce, Fabrizio, and Alexa Tazzetta also scored for the Lions.

Less than a minute into the third, Tuininga netted her fourth of the game to put Tusculum up 9-8, but another Mars Hill three-goal run provided them a lead they would not relinquish.  Haley Stallings scored two while Joyce completed her hat-trick, scoring her third of the game.

Mars Hill capped off the performance netting four more goals in the fourth to win their fifth straight.  The win ties the program mark for most in a season.

Joyce (4g, 2a) and Fabrizio (3g, 3a) led all Lions with six points.  Foust added five with three goals and two assists.  Virginia Joy stopped four shots in 45 minutes of play to earn her second win of the season.

Joyce also collected six draw controls, giving her over 100 for her career.

The Lions return to action on Tuesday, March 8 when they face Barton.  First draw control is set for 2 p.m. inside Meares Stadium.