The Furman Paladins lost to the top-seeded Mercer Bears, 16-8, in the semifinals of the Big South Women’s Lacrosse Championship on May 1. The game took place at Five Star Stadium in Macon, Georgia.
The match was significant as it determined which team would advance to the championship game. With this win, Mercer improved its season record to 12-6 and moved on to face either High Point or Wofford in the final.
Caroline Glus, named Big South Offensive Player of the Year, led Mercer with five goals. Maya Maldonado added three goals for Mercer, while Sofia D’Angelo contributed four points and Ansley Walters had three. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Ward made 12 saves along with four ground balls and two caused turnovers.
For Furman, Shae Insinga—recently named Big South Newcomer of the Year—scored four goals and collected two ground balls. Reynolds Hester and Lily Toole each scored twice and provided an assist. Skylar Hilmer, Allie Kandel, and Cate Noone each won three draws for Furman. Charlotte Kent set a new career high with eight ground balls—a mark tied for second-most in program history—and was one of three Paladins with two caused turnovers alongside Hilmer and Zoe Milmoe. Goalie Sailor Henderson finished with ten saves.
Mercer built a decisive lead by outscoring Furman 10-1 over nearly 25 minutes to reach a nine-goal advantage midway through the third quarter. Despite early goals from Hester that gave Furman a brief lead, Mercer’s offense responded strongly before halftime.
Furman’s season concludes with a record of 10-9—the first time since 2015-17 that they have achieved back-to-back seasons with at least ten wins.
