The LSU women’s lacrosse club travelled to Norman, Okla., on Saturday to compete in two matches, leaving the state with a 1-1 record to start their spring campaign.
The Lady Tigers topped Texas Tech, 11-8, but came up short against Oklahoma, falling 14-7.
The team travelled from Baton Rouge through the night and started its first match of the day against Texas Tech at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
The first match proved to be a nail-biter for LSU, narrowly squeaking out a three-point win over the Red Raiders.
Junior low defender and club president Kylee Rader said the Lady Tigers struggled to find their stride in the first half but managed to pull off the victory with a strong performance late in the game.
“It was really back and forth in the first half, but we really came together at the beginning of the second half,” Rader said.
Turnovers caused by sophomore Ashley Leggett and senior Mary Condo coupled with precise shot placement ensured victory for the squad, Rader said.
The second match of the day proved more difficult, as the Lady Tigers struggled against the Sooners.
Condo, the club’s vice president, said the team’s defense couldn’t put up the same stand as the first match and credited Oklahoma’s impressive offensive play early in the game.
“They came out very aggressive on the ball in the first half,” Condo said. “We dominated the second half but not enough to come out with the win.”
Rader said the loss was due in part to the Sooners’ fresh legs and overall control of the ball.
“I wouldn’t say they were better, but the fact that we travelled all night and played back-to-back games made it difficult,” she said. “They were really good with ground balls, and their transitions were great.”
The Lady Tigers didn’t arrive at their hotel in Norman until 2 a.m. Saturday.
Both Rader and Condo said despite the loss, the result from Saturday’s matches were encouraging given the inexperience and youth on the Lady Tiger squad.
“It was a lot better than we expected,” Condo said. “We have quite a few girls who are brand new to the sport, and some had never heard of it before this season.”
The squad travels to Houston, Texas, this weekend for their next regular season matches against Rice and Texas A&M.
 
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Contact Morgan Wampold at [email protected]