MACON, Ga. – The Presbyterian College lacrosse team finished out their three-game road stretch which bled into the beginning of Big South Conference territory on Wednesday afternoon, coming up on the losing end of a 23-1 decision against reigning league champion Mercer.

Extending their divisional winning streak to 15 games after running the table in the conference last spring, Mercer never trailed against the Blue Hose to drop PC to a record of 1-8 on the season.

First-year midfielder Emma Claire Mills put in Presby's lone goal at the 11:45 stamp of the 3^rd period following a 16-0 start from the home side, the third strike in the past two meetings for Mills after winning the Big South Freshman of the Week award on Tuesday.

Competing in her native state of Georgia, Mills added a personal-best four draw controls during the defeat (a number that bettered all others on the evening). Kylie Sullivan and Madeline Hart contributed four more draws at two apiece.

Naomi Lauderbaugh logged 37 minutes in the keeper's box throughout the first of eight league encounters, followed by Kayleigh Aitken who landed 22 minutes in her own right. That duo combined for seven saves.

Mercer tallied 34 shot tries on their route to the victory, securing nine goals put together from their top-two performers (Gabby DiVirgilio with five goals and nine total points, along with Kayla Soltys' four connections).

 
UP NEXT
 
- Presbyterian will aim to throw Wednesday's result aside and start fresh with Big South matchup number two in three days, welcoming Longwood to Bailey Memorial Stadium on March 30 at noon.

- The Blue Hose hope to avenge an 11-6 loss to the Lancers back in April of 2023, a bout that was plagued by weather interference in Virginia.

- Each of PC's next two clashes will occur in Clinton with a week in between, taking on Furman once the Longwood affair comes and goes.