Women’s lacrosse will begin conference play against High Point University today at Five Star Stadium at 4 p.m. The Bears are 1-3 at home and 2-3 on the road this season after facing several nationally ranked opponents in non-conference play.
Mercer opened the season with losses to Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt University and the University of South Florida. Despite the tough competition, the Bears stayed close in each game, losing by an average of just over three goals per game.
After getting back in the win column with games against Stetson University and Kennesaw State University, the Bears took on their first ranked opponents, No. 7 the University of Florida, and lost 23-9.
Mercer's last three games of the season have come at home, including a victory over Arizona State University and two losses against No. 9 Clemson University and Dartmouth University.
Through nine games, the Bears lead the Big South conference in goals per game, averaging nearly 13. Standout performances have come from Caroline Glus ’26, who leads the team with 27 goals and 32 points, and Sofia D’Angelo ‘26, with 17 goals and 19 points. Glus is the team's primary offensive weapon, and has been top three in points in three of her four years at Mercer.
Abby Vane ‘26 has contributed 13 goals and 17 points while Ansley Walters ‘26 has added 12 goals and 15 points. The team's offense, while running through Glus, is balanced, and six different players have double digit points this season.
In goal, Mackenzie Ward ‘27 has logged the majority of minutes, posting 62 saves across 499 minutes, while Madison Vane ‘26 has contributed in limited action with a .455 save percentage in three games. Despite facing some of the nation’s top offensive teams, Mercer’s defense has prevented a large load for the keeper, as Mercer has been tasked with the least saves in the conference.
The Bears also capitalize on player advantage at nearly the best rate in the conference, ranking top three in woman-up scoring percentage and woman-up goals per game, despite committing the second-most penalties in the Big South.
Mercer defeated High Point in last year’s Big South championship, 16-8. The Bears will then host Presbyterian College on April 1, travel to Furman University on April 8 and welcome Winthrop University on April 11.
Kaylee Grace Buchanan '29 is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an minor in Religion. When not writing, she enjoys reading, baking and playing tennis. You can also catch her on the pickleball courts jamming out to some music as well.
