Lions fall late to Converse
February 26, 2025
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's lacrosse team (1-3) was felled by Converse (1-5) by a score of 17-13 Wednesday night.
The game was filled with back-and-forth action, as both teams exchanged goals early on. Mars Hill struck first with a goal from Kendall Middleton, but Converse quickly responded with a goal from Gencie Coan. Mars Hill built a 5-1 lead by the 4:31 mark of the first half, thanks to goals from Middleton, Addison Hellwig, Abby Cleveland, and Megan D'Amore. However, Converse rallied in the closing minutes of the half, with Hailey Obenchain and Corynn Psychoghios scoring to narrow Mars Hill's lead to 5-3 going into the break.
The second half saw Converse explode offensively, scoring 12 goals after the break. Becky Reinhard played a pivotal role, netting three of her four goals in the second half, while Obenchain added two more goals to her tally. Converse's offense found its rhythm, tying the game at 5-5 and then taking control, going up 12-8 by the end of the third quarter.
Mars Hill tried to fight back in the fourth, with goals from Haley Stallings and Nevaeh Louden, but Converse's lead was too much to overcome. Obenchain added one final goal in the last minute to seal the victory for the Valkyries.
Obenchain led all players with five goals. Becky Reinhard added four goals, and Coan added four points (2g, 2a).
For Mars Hill, Middleton and Hellwig were the top performers, each scoring three goals, while goalie Victoria Kaercher recorded 11 saves in her Mars Hill debut.
Mars Hill opens South Atlantic Conference play on Saturday, March 1 when they face Lincoln Memorial on the road. First draw is set for 12 p.m.