LEXINGTON, Va. — Saint Francis University split a pair of games at the Virginia Military Institute’s VMI Invitational as the Red Flash kicked off the day with an 18-13 defeat of the host Keydets before taking a 15-12 setback against Salem University.
Facing VMI, Saint Francis controlled the tempo early in the morning match, jumping out to a 5-1 first-quarter lead and continuing to build separation through the opening half. While the Keydets showed increased offensive output in the middle quarters, the Red Flash maintained momentum throughout by holding the ball for more than 30 minutes of possession and capitalizing on scoring opportunities to prevent VMI from closing the gap.
Saint Francis finished with 30:23 of possession as Caylah Olay led the offense with seven goals on eight shots while drawing four ejections. Lucy Willis followed with a perfect five-for-five shooting performance, adding two assists and two steals. Alondra Torres finished three-for-three from the field as SFU shot 66.7% from the field (18-for-27).
The Red Flash moved the ball effectively, paced by Lexanny Gonzalez‘s five assists and four helpers from Sofia Maioriello.
On defense, Maioriello recorded five steals to support a four save and four steal effort by goalkeeper Victoria Tamarit.
Against Salem, the Tigers applied early pressure in the afternoon matchup to acquire a slim lead through the first half before Saint Francis responded after the break. The Red Flash surged in the third quarter to flip momentum, pairing defensive execution with timely scoring. Saint Francis limited Salem’s offensive chances down the stretch while winning key possessions, allowing the Red Flash to manage the pace throughout the final quarter prior to coming up three goals short.
SFU scored 12 goals on 26 attempts and totaled 24:00 of possession versus Salem.
Olay contributed three goals and four assists, while Willis added three goals on another perfect mark from the field as she finished the tournament by connecting on 15-of-15 shots she attempted against Salem, VMI and Mount St. Mary’s University in two days.
Bella Castaneda scored twice and drew three ejections. Megan Marlin recorded a well-rounded performance with two goals, three blocks and two assists. Sarah Hartwell notched three exclusions and a sprint victory.
In goal, Tamarit anchored the defensive effort with seven saves, along with two steals and an assist.
Information courtesy Saint Francis University Athletics Communications
