News Summary
The Charlotte Niners women’s lacrosse team celebrated a historic milestone by achieving their first-ever road victory, defeating the Winthrop Eagles 17-8 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Senior Kylie Gioia stood out with nine points, scoring five goals and providing four assists, while surpassing 100 career points. The Niners took an early 8-0 lead, demonstrating strong teamwork with seven players scoring. A solid defense, led by goalkeeper Katie Ling’s 11 saves, ensured a comfortable win despite Winthrop’s late rally. The Niners are now preparing for their upcoming match against Davidson at the 2025 Crown Lacrosse Classic on March 1.
Rock Hill, S.C.: Women’s Lacrosse Team Celebrates Major Win
In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Charlotte Niners women’s lacrosse team transformed a chilly Wednesday evening into a memorable night in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They celebrated a historic victory, defeating the Winthrop Eagles with a final score of 17-8 in their non-conference matchup. This was not just another win; it marked the first-ever road victory for the Niners in the history of their program.
Gioia’s Standout Performance
Leading the charge for the Niners was none other than Kylie Gioia. The senior standout had a night to remember, achieving a personal milestone by surpassing 100 career points and recording an impressive nine points in this single game. Gioia wasn’t just scoring; she was setting a new program record while doing so. Her scoreline of five goals and four assists showcased her talent and determination, displaying why she is a vital player for the Niners.
Jumping out to an early 8-0 lead, the Niners seemed unstoppable. With seven different players contributing to the scoreboard, Winthrop struggled to catch up. The Niners managed to clinch an incredible lead by scoring three goals in a mere 44 seconds. With great teamwork, Aly Prasinos assisted Brooke Alessandrini before netting a goal of her own and shortly after, found Isa Torres for another score, solidifying an 8-0 lead.
Solid Defense and Goalkeeping
The Niners’ success was not just about offense. Their defense held strong, with goalkeeper Katie Ling making 11 saves, allowing only eight goals against them. Lineman Gianna Cutaia and Hailey O’Donoghue were key in preventing Winthrop from gaining any momentum, finishing with multiple ground balls and caused turnovers.
As the game transitioned into the second half, Charlotte’s rigorous focus did not waver. They extended their lead further with four consecutive goals early in the third quarter, driving their lead to 15-3 before entering the final quarter. Gioia continued to shine, scoring a couple of goals while the team managed to make the clock run as they exceeded the point threshold.
Team Contributions
The contributions from players like Katie Gorski, who scored a trio of goals, added weight to the Niners’ performance. Fellow teammates Torres, Avery Olsen, and Claire Schotta each netted two goals, showcasing a balanced attack that challenged Winthrop throughout the game. Bella Burke and Kiera Armitage also played vital roles in controlling the draws, with each securing seven draw controls, helping Charlotte dominate the draw statistic with an 18-9 advantage.
Despite some slippage in the fourth quarter, where Winthrop outscored Charlotte 4-2, the overall outcome was never in doubt. The Niners had pushed hard enough to ensure that this historic win would be celebrated long after the final whistle.
What’s Next for the Niners?
Coming off this remarkable win, Charlotte now sets its sights on an exciting matchup against local rivals Davidson at the 2025 Crown Lacrosse Classic, set to take place on March 1 at the American Legion Memorial Stadium. A kickoff at 1:30 PM is expected, and fans are gearing up to witness another thrilling performance from their team.
As the Niners continue to develop their program, this road victory in Rock Hill stands as a testament to their growth, passion, and unyielding spirit. Charlotte is not just looking forward to the rest of the season; they’re also focused on solidifying their place within the American Athletic Conference, inspiring the community to rally behind their team.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
- Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse Achieves Historic Road Win
- Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse Claims Historic Road Victory
- Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse Celebrates Road Victory
Additional Resources
- Career Day for Gioia as Niners Overpower Winthrop
- Niners Travel to Rock Hill to Face Winthrop
- Niners Softball Remains Victorious Over Lehigh
- Niners Face Campbell in First Ever Road Game
- Charlotte Hosts Winthrop for Education Day Game
- Wikipedia Search: Women’s Lacrosse
- Google Search: Women’s Lacrosse
- Google News Search: Women’s Lacrosse
- Google Scholar: Women’s Lacrosse
