In a thrilling display at Joe Walton Stadium, the Cincinnati Bearcats lacrosse team unleashed a dominant fourth-period surge to secure a 9-3 victory over Robert Morris. This road win was highlighted by a commanding 5-0 run in the final frame, showcasing Cincinnati's resilience and skill.
The Bearcats jumped to a quick 3-0 lead after the first quarter, only to see their offense stall, allowing Robert Morris to close the gap to 4-3 by the end of the third. But Cincinnati found their groove again in the fourth, with Paige Selhorn leading the charge. Selhorn was unstoppable, netting all three of her goals in this period, achieving a well-earned hat trick.
Selhorn wasn't alone in her efforts. She contributed three goals and two assists, while Kozina added her second hat trick of the season, underscoring the depth of Cincinnati's offensive arsenal. On the defensive side, Paige Counts and Lexie Wolfe were pivotal, each grabbing four ground balls to stifle the Colonials' attack.
Cincinnati's dominance was evident in the stats, boasting a 32-16 shot advantage and controlling the draw with a 10-4 edge, thanks in large part to sophomore Morgan Handzel's eight draw controls.
The game began with sophomore Alyse Keels opening the scoring early in the first quarter. Kozina then struck twice in quick succession, giving the Bearcats a comfortable lead.
The second quarter was a defensive battle, with goalkeeper Bell Kerr making seven crucial saves. Despite this, Lea Otts managed to score for Robert Morris on a power play, marking the only goal of the quarter.
The third quarter saw Mia Berthoff narrow the deficit for Robert Morris, but junior Hailey Joy Simpson responded, restoring Cincinnati’s two-goal lead. Taylor Burkett's late goal kept it close, setting up the dramatic final period.
In the fourth, Cincinnati took over. Selhorn's early goal set the tone, and she continued to find the net, ensuring the Bearcats finished strong with a decisive 9-3 win.
Up next, the Bearcats hit the road again, heading to Nashville for a matchup against Vanderbilt. The game is set for Friday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. ET at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.