Cards Upset No. 20 Clemson 13-12

Saturday, March 16

LOUISVILLE, KY

2 PM

University of Louisville

4-5

Clemson University

6-3

Clemson

Louisville

March 16, 2024 | Women's Lacrosse

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Louisville went on a 7-1 run in the second half to secure the comeback victory.

By: Kennedy Knisley

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville women's lacrosse team grabbed a 13-12 win over the No. 20 Clemson Tigers this afternoon, overcoming a five-point deficit in the second half. Nicole Perroni led the team with three goals, three caused turnovers, and six draw controls.

Eight different Cardinals scored this afternoon, with several multiple-goal showings. Rian Adkins recorded a career-high two goals and Izzy Seikel had a season-high two goals. Kokoro Nakazawa tallied two goals and an assist and Kylea Dobson, Allegra Catalano, Negai Nakazawa, and Lauren Figas each had one goal apiece.

"Offensively, we were fighting and taking advantage of our opportunities," said Head Coach Scott Teeter. "On defense, we were able to take Clemson out of their comfort zone. We force them to take less desirable shots."

The first quarter saw even scoring on both sides of the field as Clemson got on the board first followed by a goal from Perroni. The Tigers scored back-to-back goals but the Cards responded with two of their own to close out the first 15 minutes at 3-3.

Clemson opened up the second quarter with a free position goal, followed by one from Catalano. Three straight Clemson goals in under two minutes put the Tigers up by 7-4. Kokoro and Negai Nakazawa each recorded a goal but Clemson ended the half with two goals, putting them up 10-6.

After seven goals from the Tigers, J Pleck went into goal for the Cards with 10 minutes to play in the first half.

"At halftime, we came in and had a response," said Coach Teeter. "We played extremely well in the second half in all areas."

Louisville had four different goal-scorers in the third quarter, cutting their deficit to one going into the final frame. Perroni had two more in the fourth quarter and Seikel had her second of the game. The Cards went on a 7-1 run in the second half, propelling them to the one-point victory over the ranked Tigers.

Pleck recorded seven saves and only allowed five goals for a .583 save percentage.

"I couldn't have done it without the whole team in front of me," said Pleck. "The defense, especially, made it easy for me to see those crucial saves. They also came up with crucial turnovers that were needed at the end of the game."

Clemson's Claire Bockstie led all scorers with four goals on 10 shots. Hanna Hilcoff came off the bench for the Tigers and recorded a hat trick of her own. Emily Lamparter was in goal for Clemson, recording 11 saves in 60 minutes.

Louisville will hit the road next week for two straight away games. First, they play Liberty on March 21 at 12 p.m. ET and then they will travel to play the ranked North Carolina Tarheels on March 23 at 11 a.m. ET. Broadcast details will be available under the schedule tab on the official Lousiville Athletics website.