CLEVELAND, Tenn.-There was a lot to celebrate on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Ray Conn Sports Complex. The Lee women's lacrosse team earned a crucial Gulf South Conference victory over Montevallo, 13-8 but more importantly the Lady Flames partnered with the Austin Hatcher Foundation to "Lacrosse Out Cancer" and raise money for families affected by pediatric cancer.

The Lady Flames fired out to the gate and never looked back in the first half as they shutout the Falcons, 11-0 over the first 30 minutes of action. Montevallo did fight back to pull within five, but time ran out on any serious comeback attempt.

Maggie Luzier led the way with four goals. Brittney White registered three goals and six draw controls. Noelle Harrington, Megan Trout and Callie Curtis had two goals. Hannah Vecsey set things up with four assists. 

"Today was such a special day. I have had my own battle with cancer, and it has affected my family like so many other families. We are honored to team up with the Austin Hatcher Foundation and the great work they do to help so many kids and families in our area," said Lee assistant coach Megan Smith. "As far as they game goes, I thought we really played a really complete first half and KB (Kaleigh Bernard) was excellent in goal. The second half we certainly didn't execute as well but credit Montevallo for battling back."

Kaleigh Bernard shined in goal for Lee and finished with 12 saves and five ground balls to earn the victory. 

"I love kids, I'm an elementary education major, so to be able to see their smiling faces today as they lineup with us at the start of the game, and during halftime and at the end of the game it was just really special," said Bernard. "Every win is important as we near the playoffs so I'm proud of how our team came out in the first half. We need to play a more complete game though and we will look to do that on Wednesday"

Anja Kuys led the Falcons with three goals and Jenna Piazza added two.  Montevallo used a combination of three goalies with Miranda Laird was the most effective, working the second half and allowing just two goals to go along with four saves.

Lee outshot the Falcons, 25-23. Each team placed 20 shots on goal while the Lady Flames held a 12-7 advantage in saves. Lee committed 20 turnovers and forced Montevallo into 15. 

The partnership between the Austin Hatcher Foundation and Lee Athletics runs deep. Two former Lady Flame lacrosse players, Shayna Webb and Emily Osborne now work for the Austin Hatcher Foundation and were on hand to host the Lacrosse Out Cancer Game. In the fall the women's soccer team has hosted "Kickin It for Kid's with Cancer" to benefit the foundation for the last 15 years. 

The win moves the Lady Flames to 7-8 and 2-2 in the GSC. The Falcons fall to 6-9 and 1-4 in league play. 

The Lady Flames will host Shorter on Wednesday at 6 p.m. before tangling with Alabama Huntsville next Saturday in the regular season finale. 

For more information on how you can help support the Austin Hatcher Foundation please visit hatcherfoundation.org.