Lakeland, FL - The No. 1 Adelphi University women's lacrosse team struggled to overcome an eight-goal deficit Thursday evening, under the lights at the Barnett Athletic Complex, ultimately falling 8-4 to No. 8 Florida Southern. 

The only offense for the Panthers (1-1) was generated courtesy of a hat trick from Kole Pollock and a solo goal from Christina Ferrara, all in the second half. In between the pipes for Adelphi, Emma Lemanski picked up seven saves in the loss.

It was a one-sided affair in the opening half as Florida Southern saw six different players score, accumulating eight goals in 30 minutes while keeping the visitors scoreless. The Mocs goalkeeper Patricia Werker collected six of 11 saves in the first, as Adelphi managed to take nine shots. Lemanski saved four of 15 shots from the home team, as the defense combined for six caused turnovers in the first. 

A strong effort from the Panther defensive unit in the second half made way for key breakaway moments for Adelphi, including Pollock's first tally at 12:33 in the second half. A rebounded shot scooped up by Ferrara led to the visitor's second goal of the contest, when Fiona Rafferty (career-first assist) found Pollock who buried a shot, gaining momentum with just over 10 minutes to play in regulation. 

The teams went back-and-forth in the ensuing time, as Adelphi's defense held the Moccasins scoreless for the entire half while the Panthers added two more. With under 15 seconds remaining Ferrara added the final strike for the team from the north, but it was not enough as the half came to a close.

Adelphi will stay south for one more contest when they travel to take on no. 7 Rollins College on Sunday, Feb. 23. Opening draw is set for 1:00 p.m.