It is a Tale of Two Opponents for Tiffin University's women's lacrosse team at Frost Kalnow Stadium April 12-14.
Opening up TU's weekend will be 7th-ranked Florida Southern, arguably the toughest game on the Dragons' already immensely difficult non-conference schedule this season. The Mocs are 12-2 overall, with their lone losses coming by a combined 4 goals against 2nd-ranked Adelphi (11-9) and 10th-ranked Tampa (16-14). They already have wins against four ranked teams this season.
Florida Southern averages 18 goals per game and 37 shots per game compared to Tiffin's average of 10.5 goals per game and 26 shots per game. They also average over 18 draws per game and sport a 8.36 GAA.
Eight different players come into the game with 17 or more goals scored this season. Leading the way is Riley Bannatyne with 36 goals, followed by Brenna Smith (23), Aubriana Benedetto (22, 16 assists), and Grace Glinecki (28, 14 assists). Dani Bursinger is a monster on the draws, totaling 109 for the season. Sam Keesey is also formidable, with 74 draws and 34 caused turnovers.
The Dragons (7-5) will counter with their own offensive weapons. Elle Hamilton has 47 goals with 10 assists along with 61 draws and 46 ground balls. Maddy Batley has 23 goals and 47 draws, while Amie Morrison has 15 goals and 13 assists, and Ashley Osbeck has 13 goals and 13 assists. Kat Schneeberger leads the team with 8.49 GAA and 8.33 saves per game.
TU will turn around on April 14 and return to G-MAC play with a game against the Senators of Davis & Elkins. Elkins enters with an 8-3 record against vastly inferior competition compared to the Mocs. They are 1-1 in conference with a 19-8 loss to Lake Erie and a slim 14-13 win over Ursuline. By comparison, Ursuline narrowly defeated Alderson Broaddus 15-12, a team that the Dragons dispatched 15-1.
Angelina Horan leads the Senators with 47 goals and 10 assists along with 51 draws and 32 ground balls. Ryann Sumner has 26 goals. Ebela De La Bay Coffie is in the nets and sports a 10.92 GAA and 11.89 saves per game.