LONGWOOD RALLIES PAST RADFORD, 3-2, IN HIGHLANDERS' HOME OPENER

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RADFORD, Va. – In its home opener, Radford jumped out to a 2-0 first-half lead, but Longwood scored three unanswered goals including the game-winner with just over five minutes remaining, to defeat the Highlanders, 3-2 in a NorPac East clash at RU Hockey Field on Tuesday evening.

Senior Alayna Versage and sophomore Marianna Parker staked the Highlanders (1-5, 0-1 NorPac) to a 2-0 lead in the first half. However Longwood got on the board before halftime and Jessica Diaz scored the final two goals of the contest for the Lancers' (3-4, 2-0) one-goal victory. It was the 12^th time in the last 15 matchups of this series decided by one goal.

In the 13^th minute, Versage redirected sophomore Stacey Mackintosh's short corner shot into the open cage for her first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. Later in the half, Parker struck for her third goal of the season, which gave Radford a 2-0 advantage at 27:05. She gathered a deflected shot and ripped a reverse stick from the right side.

The Lancer got on the board before the break as Kelly Fay, on a corner, poked home a loose ball during a scramble just 2:51 after Parkers score.

Diaz evened the contest in the 43^rd minute as she scored from the right side after a cross across the circle by Hollie MacDonald.

Radford's best opportunity to retake the lead came less than 20 seconds after the equalizer but Lancer keeper Kaye Goulding stopped Versage on a corner and then make a diving stick save on the rebound.

With just over five minutes remaining Longwood earned a corner. Diaz gathered the rebound after a defensive save by freshman Ava Mirzadegan and flicked in the cage for the game-winner.

Radford had one more opportunity, but Goulding turned aside Radford's last shot on goal during a corner to preserve the win.

Longwood held an 18-13 advantage in shots and 11-7 in corners. Goulding recorded six saves. Senior Sidney Encarnacion surrendered two goals and stopped four shots, while freshman Jillian Lates allowed a goal and made three saves for the Highlanders.

Radford remains at home for another league matchup, hosting Davidson at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20.

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