Box Score press conference

The No. 6 Lindenwood women's lacrosse team fell in overtime in a thrilling NCAA Division II National Tournament semifinal on Saturday in Salem, Va. The Lady Lions lost to No. 5 Lock Haven by a 10-9 score.
 
Lindenwood's Melissa Menchella scored just 47 seconds into the contest, but the rest of the first half belonged to Lock Haven. The Lady Eagles scored six of the next seven goals to grab a 6-2 lead late in the first half. The Lady Lions did get some momentum right before halftime. Menchella was awarded a free-position shot late in the half and converted with 2.3 seconds to make the score 6-3 at halftime.
 
The Lady Lions still struggled offensively early in the second half but their defense kept it in the game. Lindenwood trailed 8-4 with 20 minutes remaining when it went on a game-changing run. Lindsey Palmer started the run with a goal at the 17:50 mark, and the Lady Lions would go on and score five straight to take the lead.
 
Lindenwood gained possession after getting the lead, but turned it over before it could run out the clock. The Lady Eagles took advantage with a game-tying goal with 1:33 remaining.
 
In the six-minute overtime period, Lock Haven scored the only goal with 1:49 remaining. The Lady Eagles did turn it over late to give Lindenwood a chance, but it could never get a shot off in the final seconds.
 
Lindenwood had a 13-9 advantage in draw controls in the game, but it had more turnovers and took two less shots than Lock Haven. The Lady Lions were also hurt with 34 fouls and four yellow cards, while Lock Haven committed just 15 fouls and did not have a yellow card.
 
Melissa Smith, Jordyn Constance, Menchella, and Amanda Schimpke all scored two goals, and Palmer had one. Both of Schimpke's goals came during the 5-0 second-half run, including the goal that put the Lady Lions ahead.  Smith had the only assist of the game. Christine Hehmeyer kept the game close in goal with seven saves and a team-high four ground balls. Stephanie Tirman led Lindenwood with seven draw controls.
 
Lindenwood ends the season with a 15-4 overall record. The Lady Lions leave a legacy of being the first Lindenwood NCAA program to reach the national semifinals, and they did it in their first season of postseason eligibility.