CLEVELAND, Tenn.- In Sunday's match against Lander University, the Lee University Lady Flames Lacrosse team partnered with the Austin Hatcher Foundation to help honor those who have been affected by pediatric cancer. It was the second annual LaCROSSe Out Cancer game for Lee.
 
In a well-balanced game by Lander, the Lady Flames fell to the Bearcats 15-7, making this the third loss in a row and their Gulf South Conference loss in a row for Lee.
 
The Bearcats started the first quarter off hot, scoring three goals within the first half of the first quarter alone. Their success continued throughout the quarter with Izzy Olson and Mickey Burnett both scoring. However, right before the end of the first quarter, Lady Flames sophomore Noelle Harrington scored with 15 seconds remaining, getting the help of Maggie Luzier on the assist.
 
In the second quarter Brittney White and Kamille Kremaku scored two goals back-to-back which tied the game 5-5. However, after that, Bearcats' Emmy Petreron took matters in her own hands scoring two goals within the same minute.
 
The third quarter was then controlled by the Bearcats with Burnette, Olson, and Alyssa Suchan all scoring on unassisted goals. Lady Flames' midfielder Harrington was able to strike first in the fourth quarter.  However, the scoring affair continued for the Bearcats with Suchan, Olson, Sophie Warren, and Burnett all scoring right after each other.
 
Both goalkeepers for the Lady Flames and the Bearcats' had strong play on the day. Lander's Kara Krusbe tied for her single game-high with 14 saves. Senior Kaleigh Bernard was also able to hold her own with nine saves on the day.
 
Despite the score and the different flashes of momentum for Lander, Lee played well defensively. On the day, Lee won the turnover battle by forcing 16.
 
 The Lady Flames will look to bounce back in a GSC matchup on the road against Montevallo on Saturday April 13.
 
Coach Megan Smith's Thoughts:
 
"This is one of my favorite events of the year, being a cancer survivor myself, it is very near and dear to my heart. It is much bigger than the game. We get to play lacrosse and the scoreboard doesn't really matter. We are helping raise awareness and funds for children and their families who are fighting the battle. So excited they all got to come out and enjoy the day."