Avenging Angels Lacrosse Takes Eighth Consecutive USA South Title

Published Mon, May 2, 2022

Meredith Lacrosse celebrated their 8th consecutive USA South Tournament Championship on their home field in Raleigh, for the first time in program history after seven previous championships held at a neutral site.

In semi-final action on Friday, Meredith blew past Methodist 25-4 to earn a spot in the USA South Tournament Finals. Led by Juniors Tori Witmer and Kylie Phillips, with 6 points apiece, ten different Angels scored points for the attack. Frannie Rosone caused three turnovers and midfielders Lauryn Turner and Jess Dowdy picked up 8 ground balls to give Meredith the extra possessions.

In the Conference Tournament Finals, Meredith came out hot scoring two minutes into the game with an unassisted goal by Arri May. A minute and 15 seconds later, Kylie Phillips scored off a feed from Maya Flake giving the Avenging Angels a 2-0 lead. Southern Virginia brought the fight with a response two minutes later from Tyler John, but a 7-1 run to close out the first period put Meredith up by seven heading into the second quarter.

Meredith and SVU exchanged goals at the beginning of the second quarter before the Meredith defense locked down and kept Southern Virginia scoreless for the next 37 minutes. With six different Angels on the board and a 20-7 shot advantage, Meredith took a commanding 12-3 lead into the half.

Meredith continued to apply pressure after the break, shutting SVU out 3-0 in the third quarter. Kamryn Muchette was stifling, causing five turnovers and picking up five ground balls while teammate Jess Dowdy complimented her efforts with six ground balls and three caused turnovers of her own. The Meredith team defense forced 11 failed clears by the Knights which allowed Meredith to capitalize and extend their lead into the fourth quarter before finishing off the Knights 17-4 for their 8th USA South Tournament Championship.

Goalies Mackenize Bianchi and Madi Horrell led the defense all weekend with a two-game combined save percentage of 62.38%.

Immediately following the game, USA South Associate Commissioner Mike Christie presented Junior Kylie Phillips with the Tournament MVP for her standout performances this weekend. Phillips finished the tournament with 10 points (8G, 2 A), 4 ground balls, 3 draw controls, and 2 caused turnovers.

Meredith Lacrosse will take on Stevenson University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, May 14.

The following Meredith student-athletes were named to the USA South All-Tournament Team: