MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (April 8, 2024) - The (RV) St. Thomas University (STU) Women's Lacrosse team faced off against the Ave Maria University Gyrenes on Monday evening for their final match up of the season and a celebration of their seniors: Heavenlee Nichols, Jorja Schooler, and Brandy Walters. The Bobcats ultimately fell to the Gyrenes in the match up 16-8, bringing their overall record to 6-6 and their conference record to 2-3. 

From the opening whistle, St. Thomas demonstrated their determination. Kaitlyn Chmelir's put the Bobcats on the board early on in the match, scoring her first goal in the second minute of quarter one. However, Ave Maria quickly responded, putting up four goals in a row. Chmelir notched another goal and assisted Paige Peters to put up a third goal for the Bobcats. St. Thomas was trailing by one at the end of the first quarter. The Gyrenes continued to extend their lead in the second quarter, leading by five goals within the first five minutes. Chmelir earned herself a hat trick in the ninth minute with her third goal of the game to fuel a comeback for the Bobcats. Jenna Lytch and Heavenlee Nichols followed suit, each putting up a goal to bring the score to 8-6 heading into halftime.

The Bobcats were unable to breakthrough in quarter three, and allowed four more goals from the Gyrenes. The score was 13-6 heading into the final quarter of the game. Ave Maria added another goal early on in the fourth quarter, but the Bobcats once again attempted to mount a comeback. Chmelir put up her fourth goal of the game to attempt to narrow the gap. Kylie Lubrant also added a goal, her first for the game. The Bobcats were ultimately defeated by the Gyrenes 16-8. Chmelir finished the game with five points, leading the team in goals. Schooler also had a notable performance, with four ground balls, four draw controls, and two cause turnovers, leading in all three categories. Emily Dawson also had a stellar performance in goal, with 15 saves against the Gyrenes, bringing her to 133 saves this season.

Up next, the Bobcats will head to West Palm Beach, Fla. to face off against Keiser University for their final regular season match. The game will take place on Saturday, April 13th at 12 p.m.

-STU-