ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop lacrosse team used a big second half Saturday afternoon to down the Longwood Lancers 20-13 on Senior Day.

The Eagles extended their winning streak to seven games and moved to 9-3 overall and 1-0 in the Big South while Longwood fell to 5-6 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Winthrop got on the board in only 41 seconds but Longwood rebounded by scoring the next three goals and extended its lead to 5-2 with 13:45 left in the half. 

The Lancers continued to hold a three-goal cushion with less than five minutes remaining in the first period.  The Eagles closed the half on a strong note, scoring four times in the last 3:47 to take a 9-8 lead but Longwood was able to net a tying goal with only three seconds on the clock to send the game into the break at 9-9.

Winthrop came out much stronger on both ends of the first to start the second half.  The Eagles outscored the Lancers 6-0 over the first 10:09 of the second half, taking a 15-9 lead.

Winthrop didn't allow Longwood to gain any momentum to make a comeback.  Despite a Lancer goal with 19:11 left, the Eagles rallied with three more, taking their largest lead of the game at 18-10 before going on for the 20-13 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

It was a senior show Saturday as all but two of the team's 27 points came from its senior class.  Nicole Beatson led the Eagles with seven goals while Kristen Shriver finished with six points on five assists and one goal.  Katie Clark and Allie Yeager each scored four times while Katherine Judge added two goals and one assist.

Winthrop outshot Longwood 38-20 and limited the Lancers to only eight second-half shots.  The Eagles won the draw control and ground ball battles 21-13 and 21-17 respectively.  Winthrop's defense came up strong in the second half, holding Longwood to only a 50 percent clear average.

WHAT'S UP NEXT

Winthrop will continue Big South play at home Wednesday afternoon when the Presbyterian Blue Hose come to Eagle Field for a 4 p.m. contest.