The Lindenwood women's lacrosse team knocked off its top RMAC rival on Friday afternoon at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo. The Lady Lions secured a thrilling 13-12 victory over the Regis Rangers to capture the RMAC regular season title. In the process, Lindenwood extended its winning streak to 18 games to begin the season.

Lindenwood scored the first three goals of the game, as it held a 3-0 lead with just over 10 minutes to play in the first half. Rachel Benzing opened the scoring for the Lady Lions just with an unassisted score just 97 seconds into the contest. Jenna Battaglini followed with an unassisted goal of her own at the 21:57 mark, before Morgan Judd's free-position goal capped the Lindenwood run.

Regis responded with the game's next two scores, trimming the Lindenwood lead to one goal with just over six minutes remaining in the half. Each team would find the back of the cage three more times to close out the opening frame, sending Lindenwood into halftime with a 6-5 lead. Allison Hurley, Hannah Doughty, and Benzing notched the final three goals for Lindenwood to end the half.

Sophie Buelow scored just 11 seconds into the second half, pushing Lindenwood in front by two scores. However, Regis rallied to score three of the next four goals, evening the score at 8-8 with 21 minutes remaining in the game.

Lindenwood fought back, scoring two straight goals as it reestablished its two-goal lead. Hurley and Carly Fedorowski were the goal scorers for the Lady Lions, as the team took a 10-8 lead at the midpoint of the final half.

Regis answered again, this time by rattling off four of the next five goals, and taking its first lead of the game. The final Regis goal during its scoring run came with 8:03 showing and the clock, and gave the team a 12-11 lead. However, the lead was short lived as Lindenwood tied the game just nine seconds later, as Battaglini fed Hurley for the tying score.

The score remained deadlocked at 12-12 as each team exchanged opportunities on both ends of the field. With 78 seconds remaining and the teams tied, Buelow scored her third goal of the game and what would prove to be the game-winning goal. Lindenwood maintained possession for the duration of the game to earn the victory.

Rachel Ortell earned her 12th victory of the season in goal for Lindenwood, stopping eight shots in the process. Ortell had several key saves down the stretch for the Lady Lions, helping to spark the offensive unit.

Maria Johnson established a new single-game program record with 13 draw controls. Johnson and Lindenwood were dominant in that category, winning 21 of the game's 27 draws.
Erin Abbott caused a team-high three turnovers, while also scooping up four ground balls.   

Benzing, Buelow, and Hurley each scored three goals to pace Lindenwood. Battaglini, Doughty, Fedorowski, and Judd each scored once for the Lady Lions.

Following the victory, Lindenwood improves its record to 18-0 to begin the season. The Lady Lions also move to 8-0 from within the RMAC, helping the team earn the conference's regular season title. Lindenwood will conclude its regular season schedule tomorrow in Kansas City, Mo. with an 11:00 a.m. matchup versus Rockhurst.