thanks to Head Coach Kelly Buikus for this submission!   2/21/15 AVE MARIA, Fla. – – The Ave Maria Women’s Lacrosse team lost 0-18 to Florida Tech in their inaugural game in Melbourne, Fla. on Saturday morning. The Lady Gyrenes next game will be their home opener against NWLL opponent Davenport University. The first draw is set for 3:00 p.m. The first draw was won by Valeria Tkacik who tried to get the transition going for AMU. She was quickly double teamed and the Panthers went on to score their first of eight goals in the first five minutes of play. AMU went into half time trailing 0-14. In the second half, the Lady Gyrenes were able to slow down the Panthers transition game and forced them to run their offenses. The Panthers scored just four goals in the second half. AMU was able to shoot four times; but was not able to connect on any of them. AMU was led by Abby Castro with four ground balls, and two caused turnovers. Valeria Tkacik was active on the draw circle with two draw controls, two groundballs and one caused turnover. Lacrosse newcomer, Catie Cox had a great showing with five groundballs, two caused turnovers and two shots on goal. Goalie, Hannah Camerota took the loss in cage. She finished with six saves. “I am proud of the way we played this morning. We did some good things in the second half defensively. I think we showed that we are a scrappy, defensively minded team that won’t back down. I look forward to tweaking some things and we will work hard to prepare for Wednesday,” stated head coach Kelly Buikus.   Kelly Buikus Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Ave Maria University 239-304-7391 – office 860-539-0633 – cell www.twitter.com/gyrenelacrosse