LYNCHBURG, Va. – For the first time in program history, Liberty was crowned the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Women’s Lacrosse Tournament Champion. The second-seeded Flames defeated #4 Coastal Carolina, 14-8, Saturday at the Liberty Lacrosse Field.
Liberty struck first at 9:58 in the first quarter with a goal from Ava Rajala. Mackenzie Lehman put the Flames up 2-0. Rajala recorded a woman-down goal for Liberty to keep the strong start going for the Flames. At the end of the first 15 minutes, the Flames were in control 5-0.
After Liberty built a 7-0 lead in the second quarter, the Chanticleers finally got on the board after a goal from Gabrielle Beaudet. Less than a minute later, Coastal had its second score from a free position goal by Devin Rybacki. Brigid Cardillo soon gave the Chants their third goal of the game. Olivia Young ended Liberty’s scoring drought with a goal four seconds before halftime.
Beaudet got the second-half scoring started with her 30th goal of the season. Katie Colavito, the ASUN Midfielder of the Year, put the Flames ahead 9-4 with a goal assisted by Taiva Reinertson. Reinertson notched a goal to put Liberty up 10-5 before Megan Hummel struck back to leave Coastal down four entering the final quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Young assisted on Reinertson’s second goal of the day. With 11:33 on the clock, Lehman put a shot past the CCU keeper to increase Liberty’s lead to 12-6. After Kendall Coss scored for the Flames, ASUN Player of the Year Sydney McClure notched back-to-back goals for the Chants. Despite the late push from Coastal, the Flames held on to secure their first championship.
All-Tournament Team
Katie Colavito, Liberty (Championship MVP)
Jenna Burrow, Liberty
Rachel Hines, Liberty
Mackenzie Lehman, Liberty
Taiva Reinertson, Liberty
Gabrielle Beaudet, Coastal Carolina
Grace Lord, Coastal Carolina
Charlotte Sadler, Coastal Carolina
Maeve Brennan, Jacksonville
Abby Moran, Jacksonville
Luci Selander, Lindenwood
Aislinn Sweeney, Lindenwood
Up Next
Liberty awaits the 2025 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship Selection Show which airs Sunday, May 4 on ESPNU to find out who the team faces.