Akron Opens Two-Match Homestand Against Youngstown State

Friday, March 5

Akron, Ohio

3:00 PM

University of Akron

Youngstown State

Akron Opens Two-Match Homestand Against Youngstown State

March 04 | Women's Lacrosse

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AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron women's lacrosse team is set to open Mid-American Conference play this Friday, March 5, as the Zips (1-1) host Youngstown State (0-0) in a 3 p.m. match at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field.

A goal by redshirt freshmen Alexis Kiefer (West Chicago, Ill.) with 35 seconds left in regulation propelled Akron women's lacrosse team to the first-ever victory in program history, an 8-7 triumph, over Saint Francis on Sunday, Feb. 28.

Kiefer led the Zips with a match- and career-high four goals on the afternoon, with all four of her tallies coming in the final 11 minutes of the match.

Akron also benefited from one goal apiece courtesy of redshirt junior Anna Dennison (Fallston, Md.), redshirt freshman Kaija Kunttu (Zionsville, Ind.), redshirt sophomore Kaylee Riggins (Zionsville, Ind) and redshirt freshman Abby Schaefer (Beaver Falls, Pa.).

Freshman Noelle Boyd (Murrysville, Pa.), Kunttu and Schaeffer added assists on the day for the Zips.

Sparked by a 14-6 edge in second-half shots, including 12-6 on goal, Akron finished the afternoon besting Saint Francis in shots (25-23) and shots on goal (19-17).

Livia Baker scored a team-high three goals for the Red Flash, while Emileigh Scott, Lizzie Fisher and Amanda Heidt registered two, one and one goals, respectively.

In her first collegiate start in goal, freshman Ashley Lapp (Missouri City, Texas) notched 10 saves. She was tabbed as the MAC Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts against Gardner-Webb and Saint Francis.

The two sides exchanged the first six goals of the opening half with Kunttu, Riggins and Schaefer tallying goals at the 2:42, 9:08 and 12:27 marks.

After Saint Francis went ahead, 4-3, Dennison knotted the match at four with her first goal of the season in the 20th minute (19:10).

The tilt was tied at four at halftime as the Red Flash posted an 17-11 edge in first-half shots, including an 11-7 margin in shots on goal.

Scoring proved to be at a premium to start the second half as neither team cracked the scoring column until Saint Francis went ahead, 6-4, with tallies at the 12:20 and 16:31 marks, respectively.

Kiefer answered with back-to-back goals over a 34-second span to even the score at six with 10:45 remaining in the match.

The Red Flash went back ahead with a goal with 2:34 left in the match before Kiefer found the back of the net with the equalizer with 89 seconds remaining in regulation.

Youngstown State is led by first-year head coach Theresa Walton, who is the inaugural head coach in program history.

Akron closes out a two-match homestand entertaining Delaware State on Tuesday, March 9 in a 5 p.m. match at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field.