Women’s lacrosse clinched a share of the Big South regular season title this past Saturday, April 26, with a 19-1 win against Longwood University (1-14, 1-7 Big South) in Farmville, Va.
The Orange and Black put on an offensive masterclass against the Lancers, outshooting them by 34 shots while holding Longwood to 12 shots of their own, a season-best for the Bears' defense. The team was powered by Caroline Glus ‘26 and Abby Morrison ‘25, both of whom netted five goals. Both players, along with Sofia D’Angelo ‘26, finished the regular season with at least 50 points.
Mercer (10-7, 7-1 Big South) won seven of their last eight conference matchups, their only loss coming at home to Furman University (14-3, 7-1 Big South) in overtime. Before conference play began, the team was 3-6, allowing 13.3 opponent goals per game, but a defensive resurgence against conference foes vaulted them up the ranks. The team allowed less than nine opponent points per game in their next eight games, helping them clinch a part of the Big South regular season trophy. It is the first time in four years that any other team in the Big South has won a share of the title, and Furman's win over Mercer was the first conference loss the Bears have suffered since 2021.
Mercer's offense tends to be high-octane but turnover-prone, finishing first in the Big South in turnovers/game but top three in points, goals and shots. Keeper Kayla Casey '25, who is allowing the least goals per game in the conference, has helped the Bears secure wins as the season went along, including an upset win over Clemson University.
The team next takes on Wofford College (9-9, 5-3 Big South) at home this Friday, May 2, in the semifinals of the tournament. In their first matchup this season, Mercer downed the Terriers, 22-8.
Jacob Hossler '28 is an English and Law and Public Policy double major at Mercer University. While not serving as the Sports Editor at The Cluster, he enjoys running, writing and photography.
