Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 12, Rhodes 20
Records: Lady Lions 0-1 (0-0 USA South), Lynx 1-0
Location: Demorest, Georgia - Walker Athletic Complex

Demorest, GA - In the 2017 season opener, the Piedmont College Lady Lion lacrosse team fell to the visiting Lynx of Rhodes College 20-12. The game marked the beginning of the Laura Patton era at Piedmont College as the second head coach in program history. 

The Lady Lions fell behind by a pair of goals early but it was freshman ROWAN BUMPASS who made her mark early scoring her first collegiate goal to make it 2-1 seven minutes into the contest. Fellow freshman CASSIDY HEFLIN got the assist on the goal as the youth of the program shone brightly in the contest. 

Rhodes added a pair of goals before JENINE BRIDEAU scored her first goal of the season on an assist by KAYLA JONES making it 4-2. The Lynx added three straight but then the Lady Lions went on a streak of their own scoring four straight to make it 8-7. 

Five goals over the final four minutes of the first half put the Lynx up 13-7 at the break, and Rhodes added four more to start the second to distance themselves from the Lady Lions and seal the victory. 

CAITLIN O'BRIEN stole the show with four goals in the game including two in the second half. The Lady Lions tacked on five goals in the second half to the Lynx seven. 

Turning Point
--Nine straight goals by Rhodes over the final minutes of the first half and opening minutes of the second half distanced Rhodes from Piedmont to seal the victory. 

Standout Performances
--CAITLIN O'BRIEN scored four goals to lead the Lady Lions scoring twice in each the first and second half. 
--ROWAN BUMPASS scored three goals in her collegiate debut with the Lady Lions.

Inside the Box Score
--BLAKE FORREST played all sixty minutes for Piedmont at goalie posting 13 saves in the contest. 

News & Notes
--Piedmont began the Laura Patton era on Saturday as Patton took over the program in the summer as the second head coach in program history. 

Up Next
The Lady Lions stay at home taking on Oglethorpe on Tuesday, February 14 at Walker Athletic Complex. 

How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.