After three straight games against some version of Knights, the Molloy Lady Lions took on the Lions of St. Leo University this past Tuesday evening. We had had a good practice on their field the previous evening, and I was eager to see how we would respond to this challenge. I did not love how we warmed up, but hoped that would not translate into a poor start. With several Osprey flying above the field, and the sun and temperature both going down, it was a beautiful night for lacrosse. There was a good size crowd on hand, and for such an early season contest between teams that had never met before, the atmosphere was charged!

St. Leo struck first, but Molloy answered two minutes later. St, Leo took a 3 – 1 lead, but we responded with two goals of our own to tie it up again. In what would be a close battle throughout, neither team would lead by more than three goals, and the score would be tied seven different times. With less than nine minutes remaining in the game, Molloy had its second three goal lead of the night at 13 – 10. But St. Leo would erase that deficit and tie the game for the final time with just over two minutes left to play, before before taking the lead with just forty seconds left on the clock. We controlled the ensuing draw but, in heartbreaking fashion, were unable to tally the tying goal.

So after four consecutive wins to begin the season. We have now lost two games in a row. I am not discouraged though. The competition in Florida, has been very strong, both Lynn and St. Leo are excellent teams. The game at St. Leo was our most complete effort to date. So, while it is of course disapponting to have lost, I still see a positive trajectory for our team.

Wednesday morning we were on the road again, heading back to the east coast of South Florida, to prepare for our third and final game down here – this Saturday (tomorrow) at Palm Beach Atlantic University. We have been pretty busy, and put a lot of miles on our vans. We have been practicing, watching film and trying to make time for some fun in the sun. We had dinner in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night and went to Las Olas Beach, yesterday.

I feel like we are well prepared for tomorrow’s game at PBA. I hope to see the same growth and improvement we have been showing so far this season, and of course it would be great to end this trip with a victory. Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, this trip has been a good one. As my old coach reminded me, “the weather, the competition, and the team bonding are all POSITIVES!”

GO LIONS!