NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 14, Brevard 13
Records: Piedmont, 10-5 (6-1 USA South); Brevard 11-3 (5-2 USA South)

BREVARD, N.C. - The Piedmont University women's lacrosse team downed Brevard in a huge USA South matchup Wednesday afternoon. Both teams entered the contest needing a win to further secure their playoff spots. The contest remained close and came down to the final minutes of play. 

The Tornados opened the contest scoring two quick goals and taking an early 2-0 lead. The Lady Lions responded with a trio of their own as MACHAELA SMITH, CLARA WELCH and MERRYN BUMPASS all found the back of the net.

Piedmont's momentum carried over into the 2nd as the scoring continued. MAGGI SPRATLIN joined the party as Piedmont took a 5-2 lead early in the period. Brevard ended the five-goal streak midway through the 2nd, making the contest 5-3. The two goal game was short lived as Piedmont once again pushed the lead to four and would carry a four goal lead into the half.

Out of the half, Brevard roared back into the contest, scoring three goals just minutes into the 3rd and forcing Piedmont to call a timeout. With an 8-7 score line, Spratlin and LOVETTE CHOLOH extended the lead back to three.

Entering the 4th period, Piedmont held just a two goal lead. LINDLEY WARD put the lead back to three to open the scoring in the 4th but Brevard continued to fight back in the contest. The teams traded goals for the next eight minutes of gameplay before Brevard finally closed the gap to one, 14-13. However, Ward won a huge draw control with just over 30 seconds left and Piedmont ran out the clock for the thrilling victory.

TURNING POINT:
-- MAGGI SPRATLIN and LOVETTE CHOLOH scored crucial goals to end a three goal run from the Tornados that had made the contest 8-7.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- MAGGI SPRATLIN led the team with 4 goals, 2 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers.
-- MERRYN BUMPASS had a hat trick while adding 2 ground balls.
-- CLARA WELCH had 1 goal, 2 assists and a team leading 4 ground balls.
-- AVA TRANKINA led the team with 8 draw controls.
-- ALY REECE led the team with 4 assists.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University 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, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.