thanks to Kelly Buikus, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach – Ave Maria University for this press release   AVE MARIA, Fla. – – The Ave Maria Women’s Lacrosse team lost to Columbia College 10-16 in a close game Sunday afternoon. The Lady Gyrenes are currently 2-8 overall, and 0-6 in NWLL play. Ave Maria will not play another game until after the Easter break. The Lady Gyrenes will play the remainder of their regular season schedule on April 10 and April 12 when they will take on St Andrews and SCAD in Hardeeville, S.C. The Fighting Koalas were first on the scoreboard, after both teams going scoreless in the first five minutes of the game. Lydia Buckley responded two minutes later with a goal of her own to even the score 1-1. Columbia was able to go on a small run; scoring three more goals in less than two minutes. AMU responded well in the next 15 minutes, controlling the tempo of the game. With the offense in the Gyrene’s hands starting from the draw, the Koalas had a narrow one goal lead, 8-7 with 2:30 left to go in the game. The visiting Koalas were able to score one more time in the half to increase their lead heading into halftime. With 7:20 left in the game, and the Gyrenes down by three, Columbia was able to gain possession off the draw and use the game clock to their advantage. AMU was forced to attack the ball and take chances, which led to three more goals in the closing minutes. “We have come a long way from our game opener against Florida Tech. We are taking chances, and unfortunately this game didn’t end the way we wanted it to. We had several players really step up today and do things that were out of their comfort zones. We had six different scorers today, which is a great thing! This is a process, and I am happy with how far we’ve come in a short amount of time,” said head coach Kelly Buikus. Leading the way offensively for AMU was Lydia Buckley with four goals. Abby Castro scored two, while Catie Cox, Marina Gonzales, Kaylin Mayeski, and Valeria Tkacik each scored one. Cox was a difference maker on the draw for AMU with nine draw controls, as Tkacik contributed three. Goalie, Hannah Camerota had 12 saves for the Blue and White.   Kelly Buikus Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Ave Maria University 239-304-7391 – office 860-539-0633 – cell www.twitter.com/gyrenelacrosse